Human Rights Under Mnangagwa’s Leadership — An Activist’s View

By Chiedza Kambari

17^th June 2026

I am Chiedza Kambari, a human rights activist. Since taking office in 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised change, freedom, and justice. Yet today, words and actions stand far apart. I speak here about the reality many Zimbabweans face.

Closing the Space for Free Expression

Today, journalists, human rights defenders, political opponents, and ordinary citizens face serious barriers to speaking their minds. New laws such as the Patriotic Act and the PVO Amendment Act have been used to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the right to gather peacefully. Protests are often met with force, while some people are detained, harassed, or silenced for expressing their views. There is little room for independent voices, and information that does not favour official narratives is frequently ignored or dismissed.

Justice and Livelihoods at Risk

The economic crisis has deepened hardship across Zimbabwe, affecting millions of people. Access to food, healthcare, education, and shelter has become increasingly difficult for many families. Security forces often operate without sufficient oversight, and concerns remain about the use of the courts against government critics. Women, young people, and marginalised communities face additional challenges and discrimination, limiting their ability to participate fully in public life and access protection when their rights are violated.

What We Stand For

As activists, our call is clear.

We call for independent investigations into all reported human rights abuses and justice for victims.

We call for the repeal of repressive laws and the restoration of civic freedoms, media freedom, and democratic space.

We call for free and fair elections that are open to independent observers and conducted in accordance with constitutional principles.

We call for the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists, and for the release of those detained solely for exercising their fundamental rights.

We call on the international community to support Zimbabwean citizens and encourage genuine improvements in human rights and democratic governance.

We do not fight against individuals. We stand for dignity, truth, justice, and the right of every Zimbabwean to live without fear.

Human rights are not privileges granted by the state; they belong to every person. We believe in a Zimbabwe where the law applies equally to all, freedoms are respected, and justice is visible to everyone.

About the author
Chiedza Kambari is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Deputy Organising Secretary of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.