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Statement on the ban of demonstrations in Zimbabwe
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
May 20, 2010

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition registers its deep concern over the decision by the Inclusive Government (IG) of Zimbabwe to ban demonstrations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup scheduled to commence on the 11th of June 2010 in South Africa. The ban was announced on Friday the 14th of May 2010 by the Co-Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Giles Mutsekwa whose justification was that there is need to rebrand the nation in order to attract tourists.

The Coalition condemns this move by the Inclusive Government as a deliberate ploy to create a semblance of normalcy in Zimbabwe even when the world cup host nation refused to endorse Zimbabwe as a safe destination during the one month tournament. Instead of grabbing the bull by the horns and addressing the key issues which push well meaning citizens onto the streets, the government is deliberately suppressing any acts of dissent brought about by its failure to solve socio-economic and political woes which dogged the country since independence.

In an inclusive government with perceived progressive forces such as Honourable Giles Mutsekwa, the government continues to adopt ZANU PF's archaic strategy of muzzling the voices of the populace by suppressing fundamental freedoms. In 2007, the ZANU PF regime banned rallies on the 21st of February arguing that they wanted to avoid 'pandemonium'. Following the ban, MDC Spokesperson and the current Minister of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Honourable Nelson Chamisa was quoted in The Guardian of 22 February 2007 as saying, "The regime is panicking. They are trying to impose a state of emergency. This is tantamount to banning the MDC and all political activity." More than three years after this incident, Chamisa's statement holds true, and The Coalition contends that there is no need for a de-facto state of emergency now, as there was no need then.

Such is the reality of the situation in the country yet the government, through Giles Mutsekwa continues concentrating on banning demonstrations instead of solving the root causes of discontent among the citizens and upholding basic liberties.

The Coalition finds it surprising that the government of Zimbabwe found it fit to ban demonstrations while their South African counterparts, who are hosting the World Cup have not banned any protests despite threats by taxi drivers in the country that they would continue demonstrations against the government's introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system which they feel threatens their business. Zweli Mnsini, the Spokesperson of South Africa Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa stated that demonstrations would not be banned during the World Cup and was quoted in The Zimbabwe Mail of the 17th of May 2010 saying, "To protest and to march is a constitutional right of every South African."

The Coalition wishes to point out that it is the right of all citizens to show dissatisfaction with government through protests. Banning demonstrations is tantamount to depriving every Zimbabwean of their freedoms of Expression, Association and Assembly as enshrined in Sections 20 and 21 of the Zimbabwean constitution. Moreover, Amendment 19 of the constitution acknowledges the importance of Freedoms of Assembly and Association in a multiparty democracy while Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states that;

The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others . . . "

Article 21 of the ICCPR clearly stipulates that restrictions may only be imposed in conformity with the law and should be necessary in a democratic society. By which law is Mutsekwa banning demonstrations and with whose mandate?

The ban imposed is not in the interests of national security or public safety but rather is a ploy to 'advertise' Zimbabwe as a democratic society despite the high levels of intimidation in mostly rural communities. The world should be aware of the situation in the country. The co-Minister of Home Affairs is correct to talk of rebranding the nation however, The Coalition urges the inclusive government to ensure rebranding through;

1. Fulfilling its obligations in the GPA such as security sector reform
2. Lifting the ban on and allowing Zimbabweans to protest as they wish
3. Creating an environment conducive to free Assembly, Expression and Association
4. Dealing with the social, economic and political ills bedeviling the country and which might be a raison d'etre for protests and demonstrations

The Coalition urges all Zimbabweans with a just cause and who feel that their cries have been falling on deaf ears, to take advantage of the international attention on South Africa and the region, to show their dissatisfaction even through protests, as a way of putting pressure on the inclusive government.

The government is reminded that muzzling protests, free expression and assembly is neither right nor attractive to tourists or investors- it is better advised to deal with the challenges as prescribed above.

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe fact sheet

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