As Zimbabwe prepares to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken a dual approach to managing the situation: intensifying a crackdown on activists while also appealing to divine guidance for a peaceful and successful event. This strategy comes amid rising tensions and widespread criticism of his administration’s recent actions.
On Wednesday, Mnangagwa held a national breakfast prayer meeting at the State House, where he sought God’s guidance in leading the country through what he described as a “weighty responsibility” of hosting the regional summit. The meeting was attended by senior members of the ruling Zanu-PF party, government officials, and selected clergy, signifying a blend of political power and religious influence in the face of mounting domestic challenges.
A Tense Political Climate
The lead-up to the SADC summit has been marked by heightened political tension in Zimbabwe. Over the past two months, the government has arrested and jailed nearly 100 activists, many of whom are associated with opposition groups and civil society organizations. These arrests have drawn sharp criticism from both local and international observers, who accuse Mnangagwa’s administration of stifling dissent and suppressing freedom of expression.
Last week, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere made allegations that some religious leaders were collaborating with civil society groups to destabilize the government ahead of the summit. This accusation further heightened the sense of unease within the country, as the government appears to be on high alert for any signs of unrest during the high-profile event.
Despite the crackdown, Mnangagwa’s tone at the prayer meeting was one of reconciliation and peace. He urged the nation to “persistently pray that God grants us the grace to successfully host the event and lead with wisdom and humility.” His message was not just about the logistics of the summit but also about the broader image Zimbabwe will project to the international community. The President called on Zimbabweans to approach the summit with enhanced patriotism and unity, framing the event as a moment of honor for the nation.
Balancing Religious Appeals and Security Measures
While Mnangagwa’s appeal to God and the emphasis on national unity might suggest a softer approach, the reality on the ground indicates otherwise. The ruling party has made it clear that it is prepared to take decisive action against any attempts to disrupt the summit. Farai Marapira, the party’s director of information, warned that the government is “ready to deal with any subversiveness … decidedly. We are waiting for the signal.” This stark warning contrasts with Mnangagwa’s prayerful rhetoric and highlights the delicate balance his administration is attempting to strike between maintaining order and projecting a peaceful image.
The President’s appeal to religious leaders and the broader public also comes at a time when the government is under scrutiny for its handling of the 2023 elections. The elections, which were marred by allegations of fraud and voter suppression, have left a significant portion of the population dissatisfied and distrustful of the government. Opposition groups and civil society members have expressed their intention to use the SADC summit as a platform to voice their grievances, potentially leading to protests and demonstrations.
In response to these potential disruptions, the government has deployed security forces across the capital, Harare, and other major cities. These forces have been tasked with maintaining order and preventing any form of dissent that could tarnish Zimbabwe’s image during the summit. The heavy security presence, coupled with the ongoing arrests of activists, has created an atmosphere of tension and fear, with many Zimbabweans uncertain about what the coming days will bring.
Source: New Zimbabwe
