Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, marking a historic moment for the southern African nation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the new law into effect after it was approved by parliament in December.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step towards justice and humanity. However, concerns remain over a provision allowing the reinstatement of the death penalty during a state of emergency.
The country last carried out an execution in 2005, though courts continued to issue death sentences for severe crimes like murder. Approximately 60 individuals remained on death row at the end of 2023. They will now be re-sentenced, with judges considering factors such as the nature of their offenses, time served, and personal circumstances.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi emphasized that the move represents more than legal reform, declaring it a commitment to upholding justice and humanity. The death penalty was initially introduced during British colonial rule, and its abolition has been a long-standing goal for Mnangagwa, who himself narrowly escaped execution during the independence struggle in the 1960s.
Rights groups hailed the move as progress not only for Zimbabwe but also for global efforts to end capital punishment. They urged authorities to eliminate the clause allowing its reinstatement in emergencies.
Globally, 113 countries have fully abolished the death penalty, including 24 in Africa. Despite this progress, some nations, including China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United States, recorded the highest execution rates in 2023.
