In the Bhuka mountains of Masvingo, Zimbabwe, women and children risk their lives in illegal gold panning due to extreme poverty and lack of employment opportunities. The economic crisis, exacerbated by political issues and western sanctions, has driven many to this dangerous activity. Despite the high risks, including collapsing pits and police raids, the allure of gold and the need for survival push them forward. The government and various organizations are mentioned in the context of the mining industry and its challenges, including calls for decriminalizing gold possession to boost official gold reserves. The article also highlights the social issues arising from this situation, such as child labor and increased HIV/AIDS cases due to transactional sex in the mining communities.

The article discusses the controversial appointment of Abigail Ambrose to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, raising concerns about the commission's independence ahead of the 2023 elections. It highlights the government's use of propaganda and disinformation on digital platforms to maintain power, exacerbating polarization and undermining free expression. The piece also examines the role of digital technology in spreading false information and the impact on Zimbabwe's political landscape, with expert opinions from media professionals.

Authoritarian regimes have long had a complicated relationship with media and communication technologies. The Unfreedom Monitor initiative by Global Voices Advox examines the rise of digital authoritarianism. The report highlights how the Rwandan government uses repressive laws, surveillance technology, and state-led crackdowns to suppress dissenting voices. The use of the Israeli spyware Pegasus to monitor political opponents, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, is a significant concern. The report underscores the importance of online privacy and data protection for the exercise of other democratic rights, such as freedom of expression and access to information.

The Unfreedom Monitor report by Global Voices examines the impact of digital authoritarianism on freedom of expression, using Rwanda as a case study. The report highlights the Rwandan government's use of repressive laws and surveillance technology, including NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, to target dissenting voices. This has led to a culture of self-censorship and coercion. The report underscores the importance of privacy and data protection for the realization of other democratic rights.

The Unfreedom Monitor's report on Speech, part of a Global Voices Advox research initiative, examines the use of digital authoritarianism to constrain free speech, with a focus on Rwanda. The Rwandan government employs repressive laws, surveillance technology, and state-led crackdowns to silence dissent, leading to a culture of self-censorship. The government has been implicated in using Israeli NSO's Pegasus spyware to monitor political opponents, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, allegations it denies. The report underscores the importance of privacy and data protection online, as surveillance practices hinder journalists' and activists' freedom of expression.

The appointment of Abigail Ambrose, daughter of Vice President Kembo Mohadi, to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has sparked outrage and debate over the commission's independence. Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana defended the appointment, highlighting the polarisation between dissenting voices and the government. As Zimbabwe approaches the 2023 elections, the political environment is marked by propaganda and disinformation, with the government using digital platforms to maintain power. The human rights situation continues to deteriorate, and the regime's control over social media has intensified. Experts highlight the role of digital technology in spreading disinformation and propaganda, exacerbating the conflict over narrative space and impacting free expression.

Digital technology significantly contributes to the propagation of propaganda and disinformation, leveraging its vast platform to reach a wide audience and potentially threatening free expression in Zimbabwe.

The article discusses the contentious political environment in Zimbabwe as the country approaches the 2023 elections, focusing on the appointment of Abigail Ambrose to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the ensuing public outrage. It highlights the government's use of propaganda and disinformation to maintain power, the role of digital technology in spreading false information, and the impact on free expression. Expert opinions from Clare Muhindo and Zoe Titus provide insights into the dynamics of disinformation and propaganda in the digital age. The article criticizes the ruling party and government for human rights abuses, corruption, and suppression of dissent.

The article discusses the increasing suppression of press freedom in Zimbabwe, highlighting the government's failure to adhere to constitutional provisions for freedom of expression. It details various incidents of journalists being harassed, assaulted, and detained by state and opposition actors. The piece underscores the tension between the government's narrative and the reality of press freedom violations, especially as the 2023 elections approach. It also explores the impact of digital platforms on traditional state narratives and the broader implications for democracy and good governance in Zimbabwe.

The report examines digital authoritarianism in Zimbabwe, tracing its roots to the colonial period and highlighting the continued restrictive media environment under Robert Mugabe and the current regime. The government uses media and digital technologies to maintain political power, often through oppressive legislation and surveillance. The influence of foreign governments and corporations in shaping Zimbabwe's digital landscape is also significant, contributing to the repression of digital rights and civic space.