2025: A Year of Challenges and Resilience
2025—what a year!
Repressive Laws and Lawfare
Throughout 2025, the ZANU-PF-led government further
consolidated power through repressive legislation and tactics, significantly
shrinking democratic space. Existing laws—such as the Maintenance of Peace and
Order Act (MOPA), the Cyber and Data Protection Act of 2021, and the Criminal
Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act of 2023 (the "Patriotic
Act")—were already highly restrictive. Yet, on 11 April 2025, the Private
Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act (Act No. 1 of 2025) was enacted,
marking a further step toward authoritarian governance by tightening controls
on civic organisations and undermining democratic foundations.
The government also intensified its use of
"lawfare" to suppress dissent: prolonged pre-trial detention,
extended court battles after bail, financial burdens, and efforts to erode
activists' resolve. A stark example is journalist Blessed Mhlanga's 72-day
pre-trial detention. Arrested on 24 February 2025 for interviewing war veteran
Blessed Geza—who had called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's
resignation—Mhlanga was granted bail on 6 May 2025 and released on 7 May due to
processing delays.
Our Campaigns and Activism
Despite these challenges, ROHR Zimbabwe, both independently and in collaboration with partner human rights organisations, remained steadfast in advocating for the restoration of human rights.
- Campaigns: We led a sustained, successful
effort to secure Blessed Mhlanga's release, highlighting his case daily on
social media until his freedom was secured.
- Demonstrations: In partnership with ZHRO,
ZAPU, and three CCC formations, we mobilised and participated in a protest in
London on 17 June 2025 against Auxillia Mnangagwa's invitation to speak at the
F.L.A.I.R. Summit. We informed organisers, speakers, guests, and the wider
public that she represents the pinnacle of corruption within a kleptocratic
system that has plundered Zimbabwe's resources. We highlighted the collapsed
healthcare system as a direct consequence, noting the stark contrast between
lavish spending (such as over US$37,000 on her summit travel) and the lack of
basic resources in hospitals amid severe challenges in maternal health. Our
actions contributed to her eventual non-attendance. We proceeded with the
demonstration at the venue to ensure accountability and guard against any
last-minute changes.
- Engagements: On 20 March 2025,
representatives from our collaborative network (including ZHRO, ZAPU, and three
CCC formations) met senior officials at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth &
Development Office (FCDO) in London. The British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Peter
Vowles, joined briefly despite his demanding schedule.
- Internal Meetings: The Board of Trustees and Executive committees across our UK Chapter organs held regular scheduled meetings. Branches also convened monthly, either virtually via Zoom or in person.
Humanitarian Efforts
We mobilised vital support for those in need:
- Members generously contributed funds, which were
sent directly to Blessed Mhlanga's family during his detention.
- Branches continued ongoing initiatives,
including providing ointments and raising awareness for albinism relief in
Manicaland, and collecting sanitary ware and bedding for Bulawayo Shelter, a
charity supporting the destitute.
- We also raised funds for bereaved members, including contributions toward the burial of our late member, Chipo Komboni, who passed away in July 2025 after a short illness.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Social media remained our primary platform for amplifying
human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Through Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), our
activists generated significant pressure, contributing to outcomes such as
Blessed Mhlanga's release and Auxillia Mnangagwa's withdrawal from the
F.L.A.I.R. Summit. Many members also shared insightful opinion pieces on our
Blogspot, fostering broader societal dialogue on human rights in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
With activists inside Zimbabwe increasingly silenced by the
regime's tactics, the responsibility falls heavily on the diaspora to serve as
the voice of the voiceless. We embrace this duty with honour and determination.
The Board of Trustees, the UK Chapter Executive Committee,
and the Executive Committees of our Scotland, North, and Midlands branches of
the UK Chapter extend heartfelt thanks to all members, supporters and sympathisers
for your unwavering activism, unity, and generosity throughout 2025.
We wish you and all our stakeholders a prosperous and
hopeful New Year.
The struggle continues.
END
