ED threats to shut down NGOs retrogressive

CITIZENS in Action Southern Africa (CIASA) is deeply concerned with utterances by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who characterised non-government organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) as “detractors”, a label which is far from describing the diligent work which these entities and associations are doing.

The utterances were made in the context of rapidly closing operating space due to manipulation of COVID-19 pandemic regulations to close democratic space for free expression and assembly. It also comes on the back of several directives having been issued by provincial development co-ordinators (PDCs) calling on NGOs and CSOs to submit themselves before unlawful processes regarding their operations.

It is clear from the pronouncement by the President and various PDCs that the intention is to firstly divide the NGOs and CSOs sector and secondly, to target a few selected organisations, especially those in the human rights and democracy area.

From the pronouncement of the President, he seems oblivious to the immense contributions of NGOs and CSOs in national development and in reaching communities which are often left behind in national programmes. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognises the work and contribution of CSOs and NGOs in inclusive development of communities and calls for a free and open space for them to work.

And we remind the government to respect these international norms and standards instead of seeking to clandestinely criminalise NGOs and CSOs.

It was predominantly the NGOs and CSOs which mobilised towards support for Cyclone Idai victims in 2019. Further, during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CSOs and NGOs have played a pivotal role in mobilising and sensitising communities which has contributed toward containment of the deadly pandemic. NGOs and CSOs have also operated beyond humanitarian responses and have robustly contributed to national policies and law making processes.

The improvement in the status of women, child rights, youth representation and even anti-corruption drive owes most of its success to the advocacy work of NGOs and CSOs.

It is, therefore, disingenuous for government to target entities and organisations which are providing lifeline to some of the most downtrodden and oppressed of society.

As CIASA, we urge government and the ruling Zanu PF party to stop playing politics when it comes to NGOs and CSOs. It is imperative that government must focus on improving the human rights situation and instead, offer support to NGOs and CSOs which are doing tremendous work towards the development of the country under very difficult conditions.