Zimbabwean authorities monitoring critics abroad?

Zimbabwean political activists living abroad have launched an international campaign aimed at pressuring the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa to halt arrests of opposition figures and abandon plans that critics say could extend presidential rule.

The campaign, organised by Zimbabweans across Europe, North America and Southern Africa, is mobilising signatures for a petition to foreign governments and international institutions. Activists intend to present the petition to bodies including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the European Union in an effort to trigger diplomatic pressure on Harare.

At the centre of the dispute is the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, which critics fear could pave the way for extending the presidency beyond limits set in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Activists leading the initiative say their growing lobbying effort abroad has already drawn attention from authorities in Zimbabwe. According to campaign organiser Gladman Mundingi, some activists involved in the drive have been flagged as political agitators and fear possible questioning or arrest should they return home.

Sources within government institutions claim Zimbabwean embassies have been monitoring diaspora organisers and relaying reports back to Harare, though authorities have previously denied targeting critics abroad and insist the country operates under the rule of law.

Tensions around the campaign have intensified amid recent political developments, including the arrest of members of the Defend Constitution movement and the reported assault of constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku after he publicly opposed the draft legislation.

"We in the diaspora remain determined to continue with our campaign to resist the constitutional amendments," Mundingi said. "A group of over 50 people are targeting cities in the UK raising awareness of the situation back home and lobbying MPs."

He said demonstrations and awareness walks are planned in several British cities, including Blackburn, Brighton, Stockton-on-Tees and York, on March 28, 2026.

The planned protests have already attracted support from dozens of activists who have endorsed the petition, among them Phylis Melody Magejo, Happiness Ncube, Josephine Jenje-Mudimbu, Pamela Magwizi, Thomas Machingauta, Patson Muzuwa, Nobukhosi Dube, Ettar Patience Mhlanga, Diana Machingauta, Felistas Chidemo and Tanyaradzwa Emily Daka.

Other supporters include Hatirarame Jenatry Muranganwa, Dadirayi Melody Magejo, Dickson Chikwizo, Melba Dick, Francisca Chiduku, Shepherd Yuda, Petty Ziramba, Henry Itai Makambe, Xoliso Sithole, Sandra Sekai Blessing Tariro Makeyi, Patricia Ncube, Ruth Matipa, Felicia Munemo, Gladys Kajawo, Elizabeth Chitengo, Rumbidzai Thelma Chidewu, Samuel Jambaya, Kelvin Mhlanga, Justin Prince Chihurani, Mellisa Marewangepo, Mellisa Mbavarira, Prince Chidewu, Thabani Dube, Francis Mubani and Vengai Mutsawu, among many others.

"We will not be silenced. Zimbabwe's constitution must be respected, and citizens must be free to speak without fear whether at home or abroad," Mundingi added.