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Veteran political activist Job Sikhala has been facing relentless persecution since he made a powerful speech at the 16th United Nations Geneva Conference on Human Rights and Democracy on May 15, 2024 exposing human rights violations in Zimbabwe.
Despite Zimbabwe’s participation in the liberation struggle against colonial rule in the 1970s, the country remains a repressive state. In some ways, the ZANU-PF regime was more brutal than the colonial oppressors, killing more black people than the colonial oppressors during its 90-year occupation.
Since his speech, Sikala has been under constant attack and threats from ZANU officials and their allies. Having already spent nearly 600 days in jail for inciting public violence, he now faces the threat of arrest and detention.
“I woke up to find my inbox flooded with messages from neighbours and friends saying that officers from the CID Law and Order unit came to my house in Chitungwiza last night looking for me. Today, I advised my lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, to ask the CID Law and Order unit if they were really looking for me so that I can cut short my treatment and return to Zimbabwe to clear my name for my speech at the Geneva Summit on Human Rights and Democracy, which I understand is the reason they want to charge me.”
Sikala expressed confusion over the government agents’ actions: “I am also surprised that it is well known that I left Zimbabwe for a medical examination. I don’t understand why government agents came to my home to look for me when they knew that I was not in Zimbabwe.”
He attributed the actions to the hysteria that ZANU PF officials were in after their speech in Geneva. “Honestly, I don’t understand their purpose in arresting me, but rest assured, I will be back as soon as my lawyers confirm that they are indeed looking for me to clear my name.”
The development highlights Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy, and the dangers faced by those who dare to oppose the government.
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