Editor’s Note: An Analysis of the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit and the Path Forward for Regional Stability

Dear Reader,

The 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit was held on 17 August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”. This saw President Mnangagwa assuming the role of SADC Chair, succeeding the outgoing Chair, Angola's President Joao Lourenco. 

In the run up to the summit, the government of Zimbabwe effectively banned gatherings and pushed back against opponents to forestall possible protests against unresolved political disputes. Those suspected of planning demonstrations, including women and children, were subjected to threats, surveillance, physical assaults and imprisonment. Over 100 opposition and civil society leaders, including human rights activist Namatai Kwekweza; Robson Chere, secretary general of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe; Councillor Samuel Gwenzi; and Vusumuzi Moyo, an artist, were arrested, detained and tortured in less than a month on charges of participating in gatherings with the “intent to promote violence, breaches of peace or bigotry and disorderly conduct”. 

Tension has been simmering since President Mnangagwa’s controversial re-election in August 2023 in polls that were condemned, even by the usually uncommunicative SADC Election Observer Mission, as falling short of regional standards. 

In this edition, we explore Zimbabwe's role as the Chair of the SADC. Given that the country is grappling with its own socio-economic and political challenges, critics are concerned whether it can effectively steer SADC towards addressing the region's pressing issues. Zimbabwe is criticised for undermining human rights and democracy.

The focus of this issue highlights the paradox of Zimbabwe's leadership in SADC, emphasising how its internal struggles, including Mnangagwa’s legitimacy crisis and suppression of dissenting voices may influence its ability to lead the region on matters of regional integration, democracy, peace, and security​.

The edition also highlights recommendations for civil society and regional partners to address Zimbabwe's legitimacy crisis and contribute to restoring constitutionalism, political stability, and democratic governance in the region.

Happy reading!