Harare
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been working in Zimbabwe since 1980. It has witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes that took place in Zimbabwe from the very beginning and supported the work of civil society organisations in times of crisis.
The work of the Foundation focuses on re-establishing the rule of law, liberal democracy and a free market economy, which have been virtually destroyed by the repressive regime currently in power.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Harare advocates the protection of the remaining democratic and constitutional liberties with the aim of expanding these once political change has taken place.
News
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To the gallows no more
On the last day of 2024, Zimbabwe joined the ranks of nations that have consigned capital punishment to history. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, himself once a death row inmate for blowing up a train during Zimbabwe’s (then Rhodesia) fight for independence, signed the Death Penalty Abolition Act into law. For Zimbabwe and its patchy human rights track record this marks an important step. The act not only prohibits courts from imposing death sentences. It also mandates the resentencing of about 60 persons currently on death row. Zimbabwe is now one the more than 140 countries that have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. This is laudable. But there is one, albeit big, caveat: it may be temporarily reinstated during a state of public emergency, raising questions as to its potential use as a political weapon.
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Exclusion by inclusion: Zimbabwe’s quota system under scrutiny
By reserving 60 parliamentary seats for women through proportional representation, Zimbabwe’s constitutional quota system aimed to rectify gender disparities in political participation. Over a decade later, however, questions linger about its effectiveness. Critics argue the framework inadvertently perpetuates exclusion, with political parties sidelining women from key constituency races, and societal attitudes reinforcing entrenched barriers.
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Women call for greater support in politics amid ongoing challenges
Zimbabwean women's participation in politics remains low, despite comprising 52% of the population—making them the largest demographic group. To address this, FNF Zimbabwe hosted a meeting for young and veteran women taking center stage in politics. The event, themed “History of Women’s Political Participation in Zimbabwe: A Reflection and Celebration,” provided a platform to discuss historical and current challenges in the political arena.
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Unseen but present: Plight of intersex people
Kudakwashe Maiswa, born Yvonne, faces constant scrutiny when traveling due to a mismatch between their intersex identity and official documents, which still identify them as female. Intersex individuals, like Maiswa, experience legal and social challenges in Zimbabwe, where the legal system only recognises male or female identities. This lack of recognition, coupled with societal stigma, impacts their ability to access basic rights and identity documents. Despite their struggles, Maiswa advocates for greater awareness and policy reforms to ensure intersex people are legally recognised and respected.
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Sino-Africa must be equal partners
CHINA’S geopolitical ambitions and economic influence make it a major player in global politics and economics. With a staggering GDP of US$18,5 trillion, a population of 1,4 billion, and foreign exchange reserves around US$4 trillion, China’s interactions with other nations carry immense weight. This is particularly true for Africa, and the recent 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) held in Beijing between September 4 and 6 provided a key opportunity to assess the evolving Sino-Africa relationship.
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SADC Summit: A huge blow to democracy
In the lead-up to the SADC Summit, Mnangagwa’s government has intensified its repression. Human rights defenders and political activists are being harassed, prosecuted, persecuted, and imprisoned. Civil society has been silenced as the government issues vague but likely severe threats against those considering Kenya-style protests. Even the organisation of the People’s SADC Summit (a gathering of civil society organisations from SADC nations) has been scaled down and moved to a few days before the official summit, breaking with tradition.
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Heroes’ Day: Allow people to enjoy freedoms
As Zimbabwe celebrates the 44th Heroes Day on Monday, it is imperative to remember this legacy of resistance and the fight for justice. However, this year’s commemoration comes amid a tense atmosphere in Harare, as the city prepares for the SADC Summit from August 17 to 18. The State has reacted with a heavy-hand, arresting opposition politicians, civil society members, clergymen, and student activists in an apparent crackdown on ‘dissent’. It has shown zero tolerance for any criticism of those in power, creating an atmosphere of fear that now engulfs the country.
Social Media
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Thank you, Ambassador Romana Königsbrun 🇦🇹, for your interest and for taking the time to learn more about the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Sub-Saharan Africa. We look forward to future dialogue on German, Austrian, and African relations.
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Freedom, equality and justice for all! The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges. It holds all the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It was signed on 10 December 1948 in Paris and is available in more than 500 languages. #HumanRightsDay #UN #UDHR
