The Impact of Zimbabwe’s Oppressive Patriotic Bill on its Citizens - By Vengai Mutsawu

Zimbabwe, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and tumultuous political history, has come under scrutiny for the implementation of an oppressive patriotic bill (as popularly known) that has sparked outrage among its citizens. The Patriotic Bill, introduced by the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa under the guise of promoting national unity and loyalty, has instead been criticized for its Draconian measures that stifle freedom of expression and association, suppress dissent, and violate fundamental human rights.

One of the most alarming aspects of the Patriotic Bill is its broad and vague language, which gives the government sweeping powers to crack down on any form of speech or expression deemed unpatriotic or critical of the state. This has created a climate of fear and self-censorship among the citizens, who now live in constant fear of reprisal for speaking out against the government or expressing dissenting views. Doing so, they risk being arrested and locked up in maximum prison.

The bill has also been used as a tool to target journalists, activists, and opposition figures, who have been harassed, intimidated and even arrested for simply exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association. This crackdown on dissent has had a chilling effect on civil society and has eroded the already fragile democratic space in Zimbabwe.

Recently, opposition leader Jamson Timba, and 79 other activists were arrested at Timba’s residence for allegedly holding an unauthorized political meeting. They were commemorating the Day of the African Child, according to the party officials. We are demanding the immediate release of Jameson Timber and the Avondale78. They are incarcerated in Chikurubi maximum prison for 14 days now without bail, for simply exercising their constitutional right.

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Furthermore, the Patriotic Bill since it became law on May 31, 2023, has had a detrimental impact on the economy and the overall well-being of the citizens. The climate of fear and instability created by the bill has deterred foreign investment, hindered economic growth, and deepened the country’s social and political divisions. Many Zimbabweans are now struggling to make ends meet in the face of a repressive ZANU-PF government of Emmerson Mnangagwa that prioritizes control over the welfare of its people.

Moreover, the bill has exacerbated existing social tensions and deepened divisions within Zimbabwean society. By silencing dissent and promoting a narrow definition of patriotism, the government has alienated large segments of the population and fostered a climate of mistrust and suspicion among citizens.

In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s Oppressive Patriotic Bill represents a dangerous erosion of democratic principles and fundamental human rights. Instead of fostering national unity and cohesion, the bill has sown discord and fear among the citizens, suffocated freedom of expression, and undermined the country’s prospects for economic development and social progress. It is imperative that the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa reconsiders its approach and engages in genuine dialogue with its citizens to address their concerns and aspirations for a more inclusive and democratic Zimbabwe. In other words, to free Zimbabwe ZANU-PF must go.

About the author

Vengai Mutsawu is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is the Chairperson of the North Branch and Fundraiser for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, a not-for-profit organisation registered in 2007. Among other things, ROHR Zimbabwe aims to promote a culture of human rights through community mobilisation, capacity building, and active responses to human rights violations. It also advocates for peace, justice, freedom, accountability, and democratic reforms in the country. Vengai Mutsawu can be contacted by email at Vengai.mutsawu@rohr-zimbabwe.org or vengaimutsawu1@yahoo.com

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