Zimbabwe Faces Growing Crackdown on Political Dissent as 2028 Election Looms

As Zimbabwe inches closer to the 2028 elections, signs of increasing state repression are growing. Reports from high-level sources suggest an intensifying operation targeting opposition figures, activists, and journalists critical of the current regime.

These revelations hint at a deepening effort by Zimbabwe’s state security forces to eliminate political challenges to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule. The covert campaign appears aimed at silencing individuals labeled as “political dissidents,” accused of undermining government authority.

The operation is reportedly gaining momentum as the political climate heats up ahead of the 2027 ZANU PF congress. Observers believe this congress could mark a critical point for leadership renewal within the ruling party, heightening the stakes for Mnangagwa’s grip on power.

Several prominent opposition figures have already fallen under this dragnet. For instance, former MP Amos Chibaya, who has long been a thorn in the government’s side, remains in remand for allegedly inciting violence. His imprisonment signals the regime’s intent to stifle voices that challenge the status quo.

Opposition lawyer Tendai Biti has also found himself in the crosshairs. Known for his fierce criticism of the Mnangagwa administration, Biti’s vocal opposition to alleged human rights abuses has not gone unnoticed. Human rights advocates fear that his continued targeting represents a chilling tactic to discourage any opposition ahead of the next election.

Similarly, Joana Mamombe, a young opposition lawmaker who has previously faced arrests, has become a frequent target. Known for her outspoken stance on human rights and political reform, Mamombe’s activism has put her on a growing list of opposition leaders deemed “subversive.” Her critics accuse her of foreign-funded activities—an often-repeated claim by the state against its opponents.

The crackdown extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Activists based in the United Kingdom have reportedly been identified as prime targets due to their role in organizing anti-government protests abroad. Individuals such as Munyaradzi Boniface Zengeni and Simbarashe Jingo are among the key figures named as part of this wider operation.

As the government steps up its clampdown, fears are mounting that this dragnet is merely the beginning of a broader suppression campaign. This intensified push threatens to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic fabric further and signals a turn toward greater authoritarianism.

Authorities continue to frame these actions as part of legitimate law enforcement efforts, yet many within Zimbabwe question the motivations behind these arrests. Civil society groups and opposition leaders argue that the crackdown is a thinly veiled attempt to neutralize political competition and entrench Mnangagwa’s hold on power.

For example, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, has openly condemned what it views as an egregious abuse of state power. Its supporters believe these arrests are part of a concerted effort to erode the influence of opposition figures who have gained ground in both urban and rural areas.

International observers are also concerned. Many view the government’s actions as reflective of broader trends in authoritarian regimes across Africa, where state machinery is often used to silence dissenting voices. Zimbabwe’s slide into deeper repression comes at a time when calls for political reform and economic revival have never been more urgent.

Critics of the Mnangagwa regime see these arrests as a continuation of tactics reminiscent of previous Zimbabwean governments. During Robert Mugabe’s era, the use of the state to suppress opposition was commonplace. Many fear that Mnangagwa is drawing from the same playbook as he seeks to consolidate his position in power.

The growing repression has not gone unnoticed by international human rights organizations. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns over the arrests of opposition leaders and activists, warning that these actions could stifle political freedoms ahead of the 2028 elections.

What remains to be seen is how this unfolding crackdown will impact Zimbabwe’s political future. With growing dissent within ZANU PF itself, the government may find it increasingly difficult to maintain unity as the country moves toward crucial electoral periods. The 2027 ZANU PF congress will likely be a critical moment in determining whether Mnangagwa’s administration can hold onto power or face significant internal resistance.

For now, Zimbabwe’s political landscape appears poised for greater instability. The targeting of key opposition figures and activists, combined with the government’s unwavering insistence on maintaining order, signals a future fraught with political uncertainty.

It is unclear how long the regime can continue to suppress dissent before further pushback emerges from within the opposition and civil society. As Zimbabwe’s 2028 elections draw nearer, the true test of Mnangagwa’s leadership may rest on his ability to navigate this treacherous political terrain.

The Zim Bulletin