ZEN on the closing of democratic space in Zimbabwe, deteriorating crises

The Zimbabwe Europe Network (ZEN) is deeply concerned about the closing of democratic space in Zimbabwe, especially against the background of the deteriorating and multi-layered Zimbabwean crisis.

ZEN is particularly worried the Zimbabwean government is taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown to further limit space for opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders, who have been victims of increased harassment and criminalisation in recent weeks.

The abduction, torture and subsequent prosecution of three female opposition members, is the latest of a growing number of human rights violations and an increasingly politicized conduct of the security forces and the judiciary.

In this context, the absence of dialogue is cause for concern, as genuine inclusive dialogue is needed to find national solutions.

ZEN, therefore, welcomes international humanitarian assistance, although the serious allegations of corruption and continued politicization of aid contribute to the shrinking of space.

The recent events need to be understood as a continuation of a long trend of sustained pressure on democratic space in Zimbabwe, especially since the 2018 elections. Therefore:

• ZEN welcomes recent statements by the European Delegation, European Embassies, and individual diplomats, and urges them to continue to speak out on human rights and democracy issues.
• ZEN calls upon the European Parliament to adopt a resolution condemning recent human rights violations in Zimbabwe.
• ZEN calls upon the European Union (EU) institutions to use the upcoming planning of their multiannual funding framework to rethink its strategies of engagement and support. The EU needs to increase its support to Zimbabwean pro-democracy actors and initiatives to defend and strengthen Zimbabwe’s democratic pillars and enable Zimbabweans to hold their government to account.
• ZEN urges EU Institutions and European countries to continue to actively engage regional actors, in particular, South Africa and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), to jointly push the Government of Zimbabwe to implement the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission.
• ZEN urges EU institutions to actively follow up on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission of the 2018 elections.

By staying actively engaged and continue its value-driven and inclusive support, the EU and its member states can and should contribute to a better future for Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Europe Network (ZEN)