In 2023, Zimbabwe’s dream for true democracy and human rights was badly damaged. It was a year full of problems that hurt people’s rights, damaged the election process, and showed how far the country still has to go. Reports from Human Rights Watch show that the government is trying to silence anyone who speaks out. This has made the situation worse for the people of Zimbabwe who want freedom and justice.

After the August 2023 elections, things got worse. The main opposition party, Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), faced a strange attack. Some of its Members of Parliament were removed by a man who claimed to be the secretary-general, even though he had no real power. This caused confusion and made people lose trust in the election system.

Groups from around the world, including the European Union and Southern Africa election observers, said Zimbabwe’s elections were not free or fair. They said the elections broke the country’s own laws and also the rules of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These observers spoke out against violence and threats used by the ruling party, Zanu PF, and the police against opposition members.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, which is supposed to run elections fairly, was accused of helping Zanu PF and failing to stop abuses. The police and army also attacked people trying to watch the elections. On election night, officers raided offices of groups checking the results and arrested their staff. This made it harder for anyone to check if the results were correct.

Even though many people believed the election was unfair, President Emmerson Mnangagwa went ahead with his inauguration. Only a few African leaders attended, showing that even some regional countries were not happy with the outcome.

The government then started going after civil society groups. It tried to shut down 291 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), saying they did not follow rules. This was seen by many as a way to stop groups that help people and speak out for human rights.

New laws were also passed that made it easier for the government to silence people. The amended Private Voluntary Organisations Act and the so-called “Patriotic Act” were introduced. These laws are vague and can be used to punish people for speaking their minds or for working with foreign groups. Many fear they will be used to arrest critics and block people from protesting or organizing.

The arrests of opposition leaders also continued. Some spent many months in jail without trial. Others were tortured or abused by police and then charged with making up their own abductions. This shows how the government is using fear and force to stay in power.

The courts are also being used to punish critics instead of protecting people’s rights. Many believe that some judges are working with the government instead of being fair and independent.

Zimbabwe is now at a crossroads. The country is moving further away from democracy. People are being stopped from speaking freely, organizing peacefully, or choosing their leaders fairly. This must change.

The international community must pay attention. Human rights groups and local activists are calling for change. They want justice and real democracy. They want leaders to follow the law and respect the people’s rights. Zimbabwe needs free courts, strong institutions, and leaders who listen to the people, not punish them.

As 2024 moves forward, Zimbabwe stands at a key moment in its history. Will the country go back to democracy, or will it fall deeper into dictatorship? The choice lies with the government — but also with the people, the region, and the world. The time to act is now.