With new roads, luxury accommodations for delegates, and an extensive beautification effort, Zimbabwe is making significant preparations to host the 44th ordinary SADC summit of heads of state and government in mid-August. This summit will see President Emmerson Mnangagwa take over the leadership of the regional bloc from Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema.Â
Major Preparations Underway
The Zimbabwean government views the summit as a crucial opportunity to bolster its image on the international stage. President Mnangagwa praised the accelerated efforts in preparation for the event, highlighting the importance of this occasion for the country. The government has invested more than $207 million to revamp Harare and its satellite town, Mount Hampden. This investment includes resurfacing major roads, replacing old streetlights, and constructing 18 luxury villas in just three months to house high-profile delegates.
The summit, scheduled for August 17 and 18, comes nearly a year after Zimbabwe’s controversial general election, which the SADC flagged as flawed. The opposition, weakened by internal conflicts, faces a government crackdown on dissent. There are at least 80 opposition activists currently imprisoned, accused of inciting violence and planning protests during the summit.
Suppression of Freedom
In recent weeks, the government has intensified its efforts to suppress any potential demonstrations. On Wednesday, police arrested 44 members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) in Harare. Amnesty International has called on Zimbabwean authorities to respect the freedom of assembly and association, as the number of victims of political violence continues to rise. The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported over 3,137 victims of political violence between January and June, with Zanu-PF instigating the majority of incidents.
Critics argue that the government’s focus on preparing for the summit comes at the expense of addressing critical public services, such as healthcare. Informal vendors in Harare have also reported harassment as authorities attempt to clear the streets for a cleaner image.
Luxurious Arrangements for Delegates
The main venue for the summit will be the Chinese-built and funded parliament building in Mount Hampden. The government has also procured two luxury buses to transport delegates. These buses are equipped with heated and massage sofas, wifi, individual television sets, kitchens, and toilets.
Despite the extensive preparations, the political atmosphere remains tense. The government’s crackdown on opposition figures and activists has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations. Former President Robert Mugabe last held the SADC chair in 2014, hosting the summit in Victoria Falls. The current administration hopes to leverage this event to improve its standing despite ongoing political challenges.
Source: New Zimbabwe
