Human rights defenders (HRDs) and journalists in Zimbabwe are under siege, facing unprecedented threats from surveillance and spyware.
This was the focus of a Pre-Convening Breakfast Meeting held at the Holiday Inn in Harare on Monday, organized by Ugandan civil society organization Uwanted Witnesses in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).
The event brought together local CSOs and media practitioners to shed light on how surveillance is undermining activism and press freedom in the country.
Christopher Musodza, an information technology expert with MISA, highlighted the grave reality facing HRDs.
“There is serious suppression, through online and offline surveillance, of HRDs in Zimbabwe, and that really needs to change.
Particularly journalists, they have been forced on several occasions to delete footage or have their gadgets confiscated by security agents while covering events like demonstrations.
This isn’t just a violation of privacy; it’s an attack on their ability to report and hold power to account,” Musodza said.
The psychological toll of such actions was also discussed. Samantha Sibanda, founder of Signs of Hope, said, “Surveillance doesn’t just affect the targets, it intimidates the entire community.
Witnessing HRDs being silenced discourages others and forces them into self-censorship. This ripple effect stifles the broader fight for justice and human rights.”
An anonymous participant, fearing surveillance, shared an example of how state surveillance has escalated.
“Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, Councillor Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Sibanda were recently arrested and forcibly removed from a flight at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
To my analysis, this wasn’t just a coincidence, it shows their online conversations were being monitored. Such incidents illustrate how pervasive surveillance has become, creating a hostile environment for HRDs.”
Sempala Allan Kigozi, Head of Programs with Uwanted Witness, revealed the urgency of addressing these issues.
“Across the globe, tools designed for protection are being weaponized against HRDs and journalists. These technologies compromise their safety, independence, and ability to collaborate effectively.
We need stronger advocacy, secure technological solutions, and international cooperation to counter these threats.”
The meeting served as a prelude to the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa, a three-day conference starting Tuesday that will tackle issues of privacy and surveillance across the continent.
Kigozi urged participants to take actionable steps to protect HRDs.
“The fight for truth and justice requires us to act now. Today’s discussion is not just about highlighting the threats but about finding solutions.
Together, we can ensure that HRDs and journalists continue their vital work without fear of being silenced,” Kigozi said.
