On 21 January 2019, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Special Rapporteur), Commissioner Lawrence Mute, transmitted a Letter of Appeal to H.E. the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe regarding concerns on the situation of freedom of expression and access to information in the Republic of Zimbabwe. The Special Rapporteur requested clarification of the reports on the shutdown of internet, which would amount to a violation of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, guaranteeing every individual’s right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law and the right to receive information.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights will remain actively seized of this matter.
Banjul, 21 January 2019
