to publicly renounce their opposition to the 2030 agenda in front of fellow villagers. They did so
under extreme duress. ZPP also recorded incidents where chiefs summoned village heads under
their jurisdictions and instructed them not to entertain any villagers who criticize the 2030
agenda.
Similarly, in Epworth, two CCC members were brutally assaulted by ZANU PF
supporters for expressing opposition to the presidential term extension. The victims had earlier
on been threatened by the assailants to speak about the ruling party’s agenda since they were not
members.
The March 31 protests, initiated by former ZANU PF member Blessed Geza, highlighted a
serious attack on freedom of expression and civic participation in Zimbabwe. A total of 98
people were arrested in Harare for participating in the protests, with the majority remanded
without bail, underscoring the criminalization of peaceful dissent. In the Midlands, local
councillors and activists were arrested and assaulted for allegedly mobilising communities. This
pattern of repression, including prolonged pretrial detention, illustrates how the state uses the
justice system and security apparatus to stifle dissent, intimidate citizens, and silence critical
voices. Such actions undermine constitutionally protected rights and inhibit citizens from freely
expressing their views or engaging in democratic processes, reinforcing a climate of fear and
eroding trust in public institutions.
Conclusion
The 2030 agenda and the political events around it have ramifications on human rights in general
and in particular, the right to freedom of expression. While citizens who openly declare their
opposition to the 2030 agenda have been subjected to various human rights violations, it is their
freedom of speech which has been severely affected. Emerging human rights violations data
indicate a clear nexus between the 2030 agenda and the violation of freedom of expression in
Zimbabwe.