Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, has issued a stern warning to opposition activists against staging protests during the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit. The government is prepared to take strong action to prevent any disruptions, citing concerns over Zimbabwe’s international reputation and security.
Government Prepares for SADC Summit
Kazembe addressed the media, emphasizing the government’s readiness to act against any attempts to cause unrest. “We will not hesitate to arrest anyone plotting to disrupt the summit,” he declared. The minister accused opposition groups of holding secret meetings aimed at inciting civil disobedience both locally and internationally. He stressed that the government’s mandate is to ensure peace and security, reflecting the will of the people.
This announcement follows a series of arrests of opposition activists and human rights defenders on charges of disorderly conduct. Among those detained are CCC interim leader Jameson Timba and 78 others, who were arrested for holding an unsanctioned meeting. Only three suspects, including two minors and Timba’s son, have been granted bail.
Kazembe accused opposition groups of seeking power through undemocratic means, bypassing legal avenues for electoral grievances. “Historically, the opposition has never held peaceful demonstrations,” he asserted. He criticized the timing of the planned protests, suggesting they were strategically planned to coincide with the SADC summit to draw international attention.
The minister reiterated the government’s stance on maintaining order, especially during significant events like the SADC summit. He expressed disappointment in opposition elements prioritizing unrest over the nation’s stability and reputation.
Recent Arrests and Government Actions
The recent arrests highlight the government’s crackdown on dissent. On June 16, police detained Jameson Timba and 78 others for an unsanctioned meeting. Subsequently, 14 Kariba residents were arrested for protesting Timba’s detention, demanding the release of all activists.
In another incident, human rights defenders Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumizi Moyo were pulled off a plane en route to a civil society meeting in Victoria Falls. They face charges of disorderly conduct and are scheduled to appear in court.
Kazembe’s comments and the government’s actions underscore a tense political climate ahead of the SADC summit. The authorities are keen to prevent any disruptions that could tarnish Zimbabwe’s image on the international stage.
With the SADC summit approaching, the Zimbabwean government is taking a hardline stance against potential protests. Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe’s warnings reflect a broader strategy to maintain control and prevent opposition activities from overshadowing the summit. As the nation prepares to host this significant event, the eyes of the world will be on Zimbabwe, testing its ability to manage both internal dissent and international diplomacy.
Source: New Zimbabwe
