State–Civil Society Relations in Zimbabwe’s “Second Republic”

Abstract The greater part of Robert Mugabe’s reign was characterised by attempts to silence and curtail civil activism. His rule crystallised in the banning of civil society organisations (CSOs) and wanton arrests of CSO representatives. The fall of Mugabe marked the genesis of the “Second Republic”, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Euphoria gripped Zimbabweans as the new president promised a significant break with the old regime through re-engaging with the international community and opening up the democratic space. However, an analysis of relations between civil society and the state in the Second Republic reveals continuous threats against CSOs, the maintenance of restrictive laws, and superficial reforms. The Second Republic seems to be sympathetic to development- and welfare-oriented CSOs, considering those focusing on advocacy and governance as enemies bent on destabilising the state.