Zimbabwe churches warn of shrinking freedoms as the nation marks Independence Day. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches spoke out against rising human rights concerns during Holy Week celebrations. Their April 13 statement highlighted economic struggles alongside what they describe as increasing restrictions on civic freedoms.
People who oppose the ruling ZANU-PF party face jail time for allegedly undermining President Mnangagwa. Human rights defenders point to these arrests as evidence of worsening conditions. The church group says these actions go against the national constitution. They urged leaders to renew their promise to respect human rights for all citizens.
Tensions have grown inside the ruling party itself. Some ZANU-PF members asked people to protest against the government. Officials responded with security forces throughout the country, though no large demonstrations happened. The churches pledged to stand with regular citizens during these challenging times.
Religious leaders called for changes to laws they believe limit free speech. The ZCC wants Zimbabweans to have more freedom to organize meetings. They emphasized their support not just for independence fighters but especially for everyday people facing hardship under current conditions.
People who oppose the ruling ZANU-PF party face jail time for allegedly undermining President Mnangagwa. Human rights defenders point to these arrests as evidence of worsening conditions. The church group says these actions go against the national constitution. They urged leaders to renew their promise to respect human rights for all citizens.
Tensions have grown inside the ruling party itself. Some ZANU-PF members asked people to protest against the government. Officials responded with security forces throughout the country, though no large demonstrations happened. The churches pledged to stand with regular citizens during these challenging times.
Religious leaders called for changes to laws they believe limit free speech. The ZCC wants Zimbabweans to have more freedom to organize meetings. They emphasized their support not just for independence fighters but especially for everyday people facing hardship under current conditions.
