The former Zengeza West legislator, now leading the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), made waves at the United Nations Geneva Summit on Human Rights and Democracy, much to the chagrin of the ruling Zanu PF.
He asserted that his arrest was politically motivated, intended to disenfranchise him from voting and contesting in the August 2023 elections.
Sikhala also decried the Patriotic Act passed in July 2023, branding it a menace to free speech and association.
Backlash and Defiance
Furthermore, following Sikhala’s remarks, Zanu PF members and activists erupted in indignation, accusing him of maligning his country while abroad.
The Midlands Provincial minister consistently denounced Sikhala at his gatherings, while some youths from the Midlands expressed dismay over Sikhala’s comments.
Furthermore, Mudha even went as far as to challenge Zanu PF youths not to stand idly by while Sikhala denigrated Zimbabwe.
Support and Resilience
Sikhala’s supporters affirmed their resilience in the face of threats against their leader. While Zanu PF may attempt to vilify Sikhala for his criticisms, the undeniable truth remains.
His lengthy detention without trial exposes a judiciary seemingly beholden to the ruling elite. The suppression of freedoms of speech and association is an open secret, evidenced by the persecution of outspoken activists like Fadzayi Mahere, Obert Masaraure, Jacob Ngarivhume, and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono for their dissenting tweets.
To avoid censure, especially on international platforms like human rights conferences, Zanu PF must embrace a simple solution: respect people’s rights.
This entails opening up the democratic space, upholding the rule of law, safeguarding judicial independence, and allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders.
Moreover, tackling corruption, the pervasive cancer eroding public trust, is paramount.
By doing so, the government can earn praise and improve its standing on the democracy and governance index.
Enacting legislation like the Patriotic Act will only exacerbate issues, tarnishing the country’s reputation and aligning it with authoritarian regimes akin to that of Paul Kagame.
