Resist, Reject and Report Violence, #RRRV2023
Freedom of Assembly and Association
In the month of January, ZPP recorded a total of 19 cases related to freedom of assembly
and association. Mashonaland East province had five violations, the highest number, and
Masvingo, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central had three violations each.
On 20 January, villagers at Kandigi village ward 36 in Mt Darwin West, Dotito, were
summoned to a community meeting addressed by village head Time Kandingu. Kandingu
told villagers to move around clad in Zanu PF regalia to enhance the ruling party’s
visibility. Youths were advised to conduct weekly patrols and marches around the village
in solidarity with Zanu PF. Kadingu was quoted saying, “I am trying to keep you safe, so
do as I say, or I will label you as a sell-out”. Kandingu also declared the village a ‘no-go’
area for opposition parties, citing that only Zanu PF was allowed to conduct activities in
the community. He also ordered people to vote for his son for the councillor position in
the coming elections. The meeting ended with people being made to sing and chant
revolutionary songs and Zanu PF slogans.
According to Section 58 of the Constitution, every Zimbabwean has the right not to
assemble or associate with others nor be compelled to belong to an association or to
attend a meeting or gathering. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Article 10 states that, “every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with
others.” In addition, Article 11 states that, “every individual shall have the right to
freedom of movement.” The right to freedom of association is guaranteed under Articles
12(3), 27(2) and 28 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
January 2023
The Zimbabwe Peace Project Monthly Monitoring Report
22