The European Union stopped sending money to Zimbabwe the next year after President Emmerson Mnangagwa approved a strict new law on volunteer groups. The Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill became official Friday as Act No. 1 of 2025.
EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said Zimbabwe failed to keep promises about better governance. He pointed out that Zimbabwe already has over $21 billion in unpaid debts to various lenders. The EU pulled its support because the government rushed the bill without talking to affected organizations first.
The new rules change five existing laws, including the main PVO Act. Government officials can investigate where private groups receive money. Anyone who breaks these rules might face up to 35 years in prison for certain violations, like hiding information or illegal funding.
Many human rights defenders believe this law aims to silence criticism. Government leaders claim they just want to fight terrorism funding. The EU might reconsider if Zimbabwe shows real progress toward agreed targets.
This situation raises fears about Zimbabwe moving away from needed democratic improvements that could help fix its struggling economy. The law appears to be specifically designed to control non-governmental groups operating in the country.
EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said Zimbabwe failed to keep promises about better governance. He pointed out that Zimbabwe already has over $21 billion in unpaid debts to various lenders. The EU pulled its support because the government rushed the bill without talking to affected organizations first.
The new rules change five existing laws, including the main PVO Act. Government officials can investigate where private groups receive money. Anyone who breaks these rules might face up to 35 years in prison for certain violations, like hiding information or illegal funding.
Many human rights defenders believe this law aims to silence criticism. Government leaders claim they just want to fight terrorism funding. The EU might reconsider if Zimbabwe shows real progress toward agreed targets.
This situation raises fears about Zimbabwe moving away from needed democratic improvements that could help fix its struggling economy. The law appears to be specifically designed to control non-governmental groups operating in the country.
