Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa Signs Historic Bill
Zimbabwe has abolished the death penalty, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa signing the bill into law on December 31, 2024. Mnangagwa survived a colonial-era death sentence due to his age and played a key role in pushing for the legislation. Parliament, led by the ruling ZANU-PF party, approved the bill, which was introduced by opposition lawmaker Edwin Mushouriwa. Supporters, including Musriwa and human rights groups, argue the death penalty disproportionately affects the poor and is a legacy of colonial rule. One of the bill’s backers, Parve Jabbar of the Death Penalty Project, highlighted the growing movement against the death penalty in Africa, saying the move lays the foundation for broader human rights reform. However, some, including artisanal miner Vincent Mazilankatha, opposed the decision, citing an increase in violence since discussions began. Zimbabwe joins 24 sub-Saharan African countries in abolishing the death penalty for all crimes, with two others limiting its use to exceptional cases.
source: Voice of America News
