Harare, Zimbabwe – In a significant step towards human rights, Zimbabwe has abolished the death penalty. President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed legislation into law on Tuesday, effectively ending capital punishment in the southern African nation.
This landmark decision follows a parliamentary vote in December to abolish the death penalty. While Zimbabwe had not carried out an execution since 2005, the courts continued to impose death sentences for serious crimes such as murder.
Amnesty International hailed this move as a “beacon of hope” for the abolitionist movement in the region. However, the organization expressed concern over a provision in the legislation that allows for the reinstatement of the death penalty during states of emergency. 
The death penalty was introduced in Zimbabwe during British colonial rule. President Mnangagwa, who himself was sentenced to death in the 1960s during the fight for independence, has been a vocal opponent of capital punishment.
Globally, 113 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. However, executions continue in some parts of the world, with China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United States leading in the number of executions in 2023, according to Amnesty International.
While this is a significant step forward for human rights in Zimbabwe, Amnesty International has urged the government to fully abolish the death penalty under all circumstances, including during states of emergency.
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