Harare is bracing for a heavy security presence as the government deploys soldiers in residential areas ahead of the 44th session of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. The summit, scheduled for August 17th, will see President Mnangagwa welcoming regional leaders to the capital city.
While the government insists these deployments are “normal” and intended to “assure police visibility”, the presence of heavily armed soldiers in motorised military gear has sent shockwaves through communities like Chitungwiza. Residents, many of whom have witnessed the chilling effects of military crackdowns in the past, are understandably apprehensive.
“There is limited loitering here,” a resident at St Mary’s shopping centre said. “People are afraid of the soldiers. There is a lot of uncertainty, so people are staying indoors to be safe.”
The deployment of soldiers in residential areas, particularly in a context where the government has already launched a crackdown on activists suspected of plotting protests ahead of the summit, has raised concerns about the potential for further human rights violations. Dozens of political and human rights activists are currently incarcerated, highlighting the government’s intensified efforts to suppress dissent.
The deployment of soldiers comes as the government has also launched an operation targeting pirate taxis and vendors in an attempt to “restore sanity” in Harare. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some commending the government’s efforts to address these issues, while others view it as a tactic to further restrict the movement and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, while confirming the deployments, refused to comment on their duration. He insisted that the deployments are “normal” and aimed at assuring police visibility.
“Those are normal police deployments. Just to assure police visibility. So there is nothing sinister or alarming about the presence of police officers,” he said, “whether on foot or cycles or when they are conducting motorised patrols like what you are indicating (has happened in Chitungwiza).
“It’s not only Chitungwiza, but where there is a need for police to show its presence, we will certainly do so.”
However, the presence of soldiers in residential areas, coupled with the crackdown on activists and the operation targeting pirate taxis and vendors, paints a picture of a government that is increasingly reliant on security forces to maintain control. This raises concerns about the potential for further restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, and assembly, particularly in the lead-up to the SADC summit.
The deployment of soldiers in residential areas comes as the government has already launched a crackdown on activists suspected of plotting protests ahead of the summit. Dozens of political and human rights activists are currently incarcerated, highlighting the government’s intensified efforts to suppress dissent.
This crackdown has been condemned by international human rights groups. “The government of President Mnangagwa is accelerating its crackdown against legitimate and peaceful activism ahead of the August summit,” said Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “SADC needs to engage with the authorities to take clear measures to ensure the enjoyment of basic freedoms by all Zimbabweans.”
The government’s response to any hint of dissent has been swift and uncompromising. On June 16th, police raided a private home in Harare, arresting over 70 people, most of them young, at a gathering to commemorate the Day of the African Child. The detainees were charged with participating in a gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of the peace, or bigotry, as well as disorderly conduct.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has also issued a chilling warning to anyone planning unrest during the summit. “If there is someone who is planning lawlessness during the SADC summit be warned that the security sector will deal with you accordingly,” he said. “The President said we should be peaceful and welcome our visitors cheerfully.”
The government’s rhetoric, coupled with its actions, has left many fearing a crackdown on dissent during the summit. Opposition groups and political activists, emboldened by the perceived injustice of Mnangagwa’s victory, are poised to use the summit to register their grievances.
“We are tried and tested,” said Farai Marapira, Zanu PF Director of Information, in a thinly veiled threat to opposition parties planning protests. “We are ready to deal with any subversiveness…decidedly. We are waiting for the signal.”
The government is keen to present a picture of stability and prosperity, throwing money at sprucing up the capital city, Harare, and embarking on ambitious infrastructure projects. However, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. The effects of the El Nino-induced drought have left over half of the population struggling with hunger, and the government’s crackdown on dissent has intensified in recent months.
