The following events occurred in Zimbabwe in the year 2023.
Incumbents
President: Emmerson Mnangagwa Vice President Constantino Chiwenga
Events Ongoing: COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe 11 November 2023 to 9 December 2023: 2023 Zimbabwean by-elections.
January
14 January – Police arrest and beat opposition MP Costa Machingauta and 25 others for participating in an alleged illegal gathering at the MP’s house in Harare. 22 January – The Zimbabwean authorities revoke the registration of 291 nongovernmental and civil society organizations for “noncompliance with the Private Voluntary Organisations Act.”
February
President Emmerson Mnangagwa defends the PVO Amendment Bill, claiming it is necessary to protect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty from foreign influence.
March
4 March – Police shut down a concert by reggae and dancehall artist Winky D, citing lyrics critical of social and political conditions.
April
28 April – Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of Transform Zimbabwe, is sentenced to four years in prison for inciting public violence via a 2020 social media post.
May
17 May – Six University of Zimbabwe students are arrested for peacefully protesting the persecution of opposition politicians; they are released on bail after two months.
July 14 July – President Emmerson Mnangagwa signs the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Bill, allowing prosecution of those deemed to undermine the country or spread false information abroad.
August 26 August – 2023 Zimbabwean general election: President Emmerson Mnangagwa is re-elected to a second term with 52.6% of the vote, defeating main challenger Nelson Chamisa who garners 44%. Mnangagwa's ZANU–PF also wins a majority in the National Assembly elections. Chamisa's Citizens Coalition for Change rejects the results, alleging electoral irregularities. A CCC supporter is killed in clashes with suspected ZANU-PF supporters in Glen Norah, Harare. 11 people are charged with public violence.
September
20 September – The US Embassy issues a statement condemning post-election violence and intimidation, emphasizing the right to live free of fear and to fair treatment under the law.
A CCC MP is abducted, tortured, and later released. Another MP is held overnight on criminal charges but released due to lack of evidence.
October 12 October – 2023 Zimbabwe cholera outbreak: Zimbabwe bans gatherings of more than 50 people amid a cholera outbreak in the country.
November 18-24 November – The World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023 is held in Harare, including the launch of its National Action Plan on 20 November and multiple public engagement activities.
December 4-9 December – Zimbabwe hosts the 22nd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa.
Deaths
31 October – Shepherd Gundu Chengeta, 57, politician and senate member 14 November – Tapfumaneyi Masaya, 51–52, bishop and political activist
See also
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa African Continental Free Trade Area
References