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Africa (Zimbabwe) – April 6, 2026

HRF condemns Zimbabwe’s regime’s use of tactics of manipulation, coercion and violent intimidation during nationwide public consultations last week on dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed constitutional changes to consolidate more power. These tactics are part of a familiar playbook that the ruling ZANU-PF has used since independence to manufacture consent for power grabs.

Zimbabwe’s security forces and pro-regime groups carried out obstruction, exclusion, threats, physical attacks, and arbitrary arrests against those saying #NoTo2030 term extensions for the president and lawmakers, the end of direct elections, and more extensive presidential powers under the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. Those intimidated for speaking against the bill included human rights activist Sheilla Mujakachi and student leader Denford Sithole.

At a public hearing at the the City Sports Centre in the capital Harare, prominent opposition figures Tendai Biti, Lovemore Madhuku, and Fadzayi Mahere were all denied the opportunity to speak. As they walked out in protest, pro-regime assailants attacked renowned human rights lawyer Doug Coltart, stealing his phone, breaking his glasses, and leaving him bruised. Police did not intervene and no arrests have been made, but @DougColtart filed a complaint with police against one of the suspected assailants, a ruling party member.
Africa (Zimbabwe) - April 6, 2026

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