Resisting Repression: Legislative and Political Obstacles to Civic Space in Southern and Eastern Africa

This study focus on the legislative frameworks and country practices relating to freedom of association, expression and assembly in four African countries: Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. The study focuses specifically on Zimbabwe, as part of an advocacy intervention under the Civil Society Watch Programme. This programme aims to provide support to civil society in various countries of the world and works to ensure that an enabling legal and political climate obtains for civil society to flourish.

The report highlights some of the main legislation impinging on civil society activities. In all cases, an attempt has been made to examine the wider, especially political, context in which the laws have been made or are applied. The study tries to avoid the impression of creating a league table of good governance, as that approach would not be helpful to addressing the underlying issues. It recognises that civil society faces different challenges in each country examined, and needs - in concert with others - to address these within their context.

Topics include:

• Zimbabwe - A Cynical Legislative Strategy
• Kenya - Towards Genuine Democracy
• Progress and Stagnation in Uganda
• Which Way Forward for Zimbabwe
• South Africa - Optimism and the Rainbow Constitution
• What Future for Civic Freedom in Africa