The recent arrest of at least 96 people in Harare for allegedly participating in an “unlawful protest” has once again highlighted Zimbabwe’s deepening crackdown on dissent. The detainees, who were attempting to exercise their constitutional right to protest, have become the latest victims of a government increasingly reliant on repression to maintain control.
Among those targeted is journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who was arrested for interviewing political activist Blessed Geza. Geza had called for demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Mhlanga’s detention underscores the growing threat to press freedom in Zimbabwe.
While Section 59 of the Zimbabwean Constitution explicitly guarantees the right to peaceful protest, the government continues to use the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) to restrict demonstrations. Though MOPA officially requires only prior notification to authorities, it has effectively become a tool for banning protests deemed critical of the government. This selective application of the law has undermined democratic expression and eroded public trust in the state’s commitment to constitutional rights.
In democratic societies, protests are recognized as an essential means for citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa allow public demonstrations, even those critical of the government, with law enforcement deployed to maintain order rather than suppress dissent. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s leadership views protests as a direct threat, often responding with force rather than engagement.
This pattern of repression suggests a government that fears its own people. Strong and confident leadership encourages open dialogue and scrutiny, recognizing that these strengthen democracy. Insecure governments, however, resort to coercion to silence opposition, creating an environment of fear and instability.
Suppressing peaceful dissent does not eliminate grievances—it amplifies them. History has shown that when governments block legal avenues for protest, frustration builds until it manifests in more extreme forms of resistance. By repeatedly denying Zimbabweans the right to demonstrate, the Mnangagwa administration risks fueling greater unrest in the future.
The repeated prohibition of anti-government protests is not about maintaining peace and order but about consolidating control. The systematic suppression of demonstrations raises an important question: does the government genuinely believe all opposition protests will turn violent, or is this merely a tactic to stifle legitimate dissent?
Zimbabwe’s continued use of legal and extralegal measures to silence critics—whether through arbitrary arrests, press intimidation, or the criminalization of protests—points to a regime more concerned with survival than with democratic governance. Yet, these actions only serve to deepen public frustration over economic decline, corruption, and political oppression.
Furthermore, the government’s failure to educate citizens about their constitutional rights exacerbates this repression. Informed citizens are harder to manipulate, and an empowered population poses a challenge to authoritarian control. This deliberate neglect reflects a leadership unwilling to foster civic awareness, fearing that knowledge could erode its grip on power.
The persecution of journalists like Blessed Mhlanga sends a chilling message to Zimbabwe’s media and civil society. By arresting reporters for simply doing their jobs, the government seeks to deter independent journalism and restrict the flow of information. Press freedom, a fundamental pillar of democracy, is increasingly under threat.
Solidarity must be extended to all those who have suffered under Zimbabwe’s repressive laws. The individuals arrested on March 31, the journalists facing persecution, and every citizen denied their right to free expression deserve support from those who stand for justice and democracy. These acts of state repression must not be met with silence but with renewed demands for constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms.
Zimbabwe now stands at a crucial juncture. The country can choose a path of democratic openness, where citizens are encouraged to speak freely and shape their nation’s future, or it can continue down the road of repression, where dissent is criminalized, and fear governs society.
The government’s response to these challenges will determine Zimbabwe’s long-term stability. Leadership that respects its citizens’ rights fosters unity and national cohesion, while rule by fear breeds resentment and resistance. The warning signs are clear—the only question is whether those in power will acknowledge them before it is too late.