Zimbabwe under the So-Called Second Republic: A Human Rights Crisis and the Erosion of Democratic Freedoms.

By Tafadzwa Chivaura (Chairperson - ROHR Zimbabwe Midlands Branch - UK Chapter)

25th October 2026

It deeply troubles me that the future of Zimbabwe and its people continue to be held hostage by the prolonged rule of ZANU-PF. Under the so-called Second Republic, concerns about human rights violations, the erosion of democratic principles, and the concentration of political power have continued to raise serious questions about the country's commitment to constitutionalism, accountability, and the rule of law. The very people who should be enjoying the freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution are increasingly concerned about their ability to exercise their rights without fear of intimidation, persecution, or political victimisation.

Vision 2030 was initially presented as a national development agenda promising economic transformation and prosperity. However, the introduction of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, popularly known as CAB3, and its reported enactment into law in July 2026, raises profound concerns about the future of democracy and constitutional governance in Zimbabwe. When constitutional changes are perceived as serving the interests of those in power rather than the will of the people, the very foundation of democratic governance is placed at risk. Any attempt to extend presidential tenure or alter the constitutional framework in ways that weaken meaningful electoral accountability must be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny and constitutional safeguards.

The greatest danger is the possibility that citizens who oppose the extension of presidential terms or question government policies may be treated as enemies of the state. In a democratic society, dissent is not a crime, criticism is not treason, and demanding accountability is not an act of disloyalty. Every Zimbabwean has the fundamental right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and political participation. When citizens fear intimidation, arbitrary arrest, harassment, or persecution for expressing their political views, these freedoms become meaningless in practice. A government that claims to represent its people must protect the rights of its critics, not seek to silence them.

What saddens me most is the apparent imbalance of power between ordinary Zimbabweans and the political elite. The rights, freedoms, and future of millions should never be determined by the narrow interests of a few individuals. Human rights are universal; they are not privileges to be granted or withdrawn at the discretion of those who hold political office. Every Zimbabwean, regardless of political affiliation, social status, or economic standing, deserves equal protection under the law, equal access to opportunities, and the freedom to participate in shaping the nation's future.

This leaves me with a fundamental question: What can the people of Zimbabwe do to defend their constitutional rights and challenge political decisions that they believe undermine democracy? The answer must begin with public awareness, peaceful civic engagement, constitutional accountability, independent institutions, and solidarity among citizens. Zimbabweans must be able to question government decisions, organise peacefully, demand transparency, and participate freely in national debates without fear of retaliation. Civil society organisations, independent journalists, legal practitioners, and democratic institutions all have an important role to play in safeguarding fundamental freedoms and ensuring that those in positions of authority remain accountable to the people.

Meanwhile, the country's economic circumstances continue to raise serious concerns. Many Zimbabweans struggle to find stable employment, access reliable public services, and secure a dignified standard of living. The limited opportunities available to ordinary citizens stand in stark contrast to claims that the Second Republic has transformed the country for the better. While some may point to particular development projects or economic achievements, such claims must be assessed against the lived experiences of the wider population. Development cannot be measured by political slogans alone; it must be reflected in jobs, functioning industries, affordable basic necessities, reliable public services, and improved living standards for ordinary families.

A nation cannot claim meaningful progress when its citizens are unable to exercise their rights freely, earn a decent livelihood, or hold their leaders accountable without fear. Economic hardship and restrictions on civil liberties can reinforce one another, leaving vulnerable communities with fewer opportunities to challenge decisions that affect their lives. The people of Zimbabwe deserve more than promises of prosperity under Vision 2030. They deserve tangible economic opportunities, respect for human dignity, and institutions that serve the public interest rather than narrow political or personal interests.

Equally troubling are concerns about constitutional changes and the extent to which the public has been afforded a genuine opportunity to participate in decisions affecting the country's democratic future. The Constitution is not the property of any political party, president, or group of officeholders. It is the supreme legal framework through which the rights of citizens are protected and the powers of government are limited. Any proposed amendment must comply with the applicable constitutional procedures, including referendum requirements where legally required. Constitutional legitimacy depends not merely on the formal passage of legislation but also on respect for the law, transparency, public participation, and the democratic principles underpinning the constitutional order.

The political environment also raises concerns about patronage, corruption, and the use of public resources. When access to opportunities appears to depend on political loyalty rather than merit, fairness, or equal treatment, public institutions risk losing the confidence of the people they are meant to serve. Government resources belong to the nation, not to individual officeholders or their political allies. Public funds must be managed transparently and accountably, with corruption investigated impartially and those responsible held to account through lawful processes. Zimbabweans should not have to demonstrate loyalty to political leaders to access opportunities, services, or the benefits of their country's resources.

At the heart of this debate is the right to vote. Voting is not merely an exercise conducted during election periods; it is a fundamental instrument through which citizens participate in public affairs, choose their representatives, and hold political leaders accountable. For this right to have genuine meaning, elections must take place within a framework that protects political freedoms, allows citizens to make informed choices, and ensures that opposition voices can participate without intimidation or discrimination. The people's mandate must never be treated as the personal property of those elected to serve them.

The future of Zimbabwe should not be determined by fear, political patronage, or constitutional arrangements that place the interests of those in power above the rights of citizens. It should be shaped by respect for human dignity, the rule of law, democratic accountability, and the equal participation of every Zimbabwean.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether the Second Republic claims to have delivered development. The more important question is whether Zimbabweans can live freely, express themselves without fear, participate meaningfully in public affairs, access economic opportunities, and hold their leaders accountable under the law.

No political party is greater than the Constitution, no president is above the law, and no government has the right to treat the fundamental freedoms of its citizens as a political favour. Zimbabwe belongs to its people, and its future must be determined through lawful, inclusive, and democratic processes that respect their rights and aspirations. The struggle for a democratic Zimbabwe is, at its core, a struggle to protect human dignity, restore public accountability, and ensure that the freedoms promised by the Constitution are enjoyed by all, not merely proclaimed in words.

About the author
Tafadzwa Chivaura is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is the Chairperson of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at tafadzwachivaura@yahoo.com OR at Tafadzwa.chivaura@rohr-zimbabwe.org