Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe is gearing up to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in August. However, the lead-up to the event has been marred by accusations from the government towards the opposition and civil society groups.
In a statement, the Ministers of Home Affairs and Information warned of a “subversive campaign” without providing any evidence. The statement threatened those allegedly involved, saying their “days are numbered” and their “plans will never see the light of day.” It further asserted that law enforcement would “apprehend all those who undermine the justice delivery system through causing chaos and mayhem.”
This comes amidst a period of heightened infrastructure activity in the capital, Harare. In anticipation of the summit, the city has received a makeover, with upgrades to roads, sewage systems, and electricity lines. President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently toured the area, expressing satisfaction with the progress.
“We are creating a new city here,” Mnangagwa told reporters. “August we will have the adequate facilities, but that is not the end of the vision of developing a new city.”
The SADC summit will see visiting leaders taken on a tour of the Geo Pomona waste management plant and the inauguration of the SADC Liberation Square, according to the state-owned Herald newspaper. While the government focuses on infrastructure improvements, the accusations against opposition groups cast a shadow over the upcoming regional event.
