Zimbabwe: NGOs threatened with strict control by the government

Zimbabwe has passed a controversial law that critics say aims to muzzle civil society by placing NGOs under threat of harsh sanctions and strict government scrutiny, months before a general election.

The Senate voted on the evening of Wednesday February 1 on the bill, already approved by the Assembly in December and which the president must still ratify before it comes into force.

Upcoming elections

The vote comes as rights groups and opposition parties complain of an increased government crackdown on any dissenting voices, months away from a general election whose date has not yet been set but which could take place. in July.

The law prohibits civil society organizations from engaging in politics and gives the government the power to interfere in their governance and activities, including by changing their internal management and funding.

It comes with stiff penalties, with those who violate it risking up to a year in prison and the closure of their organization.

Some groups said its broad wording risked de facto criminalizing the activity of any organization disliked by the government.

Read alsoFrom Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, the lost territories of globalization

“

,” said Peter Mutasa, director of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, a group housing several NGOs.

“

”.

"

," Pupurai Togarepi, leader of the ruling ZANU-PF party, said in December after the vote in the government. 'National Assembly.