The Prisoners of Hope: Civil Society and the Opposition in Zimbabwe

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Periodical article

Title:	The Prisoners of Hope: Civil Society and the Opposition in Zimbabwe
Author:	Kagoro, Brian
Year:	2005
Periodical:	African Security Review
Volume:	14
Issue:	3
Pages:	19-29
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zimbabwe
Subjects:	State-society relationship political repression NGO legislation Politics and Government Law, Human Rights and Violence
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10246029.2005.9627367
Abstract:	The abysmal decline of Zimbabwe is the result partly of a dysfunctional transition from colonial rule to independence and partly of the failure of ZANU-PF to transform itself into a party capable of democratic government. Examples abound of curtailment of the activities of civic organizations during the Rhodesian era. There are parallels between Rhodesia and independent Zimbabwe on this aspect. The most vicious instrument of repression introduced by the Zimbabwe government so far is the NGO Bill, which is a disingenuous attempt by the State to shield itself from scrutiny by its own citizens. The bill must be seen as a reaction to criticism of the country's shoddy human rights record. The new legislation for NGOs proposes to criminalize foreign funding for this range of crucial work. Notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]