Zimbabwean Catholic Bishops Warn Against Repression Ahead of SADC Meeting.

By Tatenda Gabi

As the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State meeting approaches in mid-August 2024, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation in the country.

In a statement, the bishops noted that the lead-up to the important regional summit has seen a “resurgence of some ugly vices” as people with grievances seek to make their voices heard. The bishops emphasized that in a democratic nation that values human dignity, freedom of association and speech, such “vices have no place as they contradict some of the fundamental values that form the bedrock of our national Constitution.”

The bishops acknowledged that it is common for people with grievances to take advantage of high-profile events to air their views, but stressed that this phenomenon is not unique to Zimbabwe. They warned that governments often struggle to deal with such situations, and sometimes resort to “repressive” responses that are “self-defeating.”

Addressing the current climate in Zimbabwe, the ZCBC expressed worry and sadness that the government appears to be relying on “violence, torture, and abductions” to silence dissenting voices and quell potential demonstrations. The bishops appealed to the government to instead pursue dialogue with those who feel aggrieved by the country’s circumstances.

“As Zimbabweans, we are people with a culture of tolerance, and we value diversity. Let this be seen in how we conduct our businesses and how we articulate our grievances,” the statement read.

The bishops called on all concerned parties to exercise their rights responsibly and urged the government to exercise restraint. They highlighted the “wanton arrests of citizens under frivolous charges” and the denial of bail to some of those arrested, stressing that “even those who ‘have committed crimes’ deserve to be treated in a just manner.”

Reminding politicians and government officials of the responsibility that comes with their positions of leadership, the ZCBC appealed for the use of influence to “animate all the people of Zimbabwe, including those who may disagree with your decisions and policies.”

As the SADC summit approaches, the bishops implored all citizens to be law-abiding and called on the government to ensure that investigations are conducted first before arrests are made. They expressed the hope that the country can build a future where “peace, justice and unity are the banners under which we rally.”