JOB SIKHALA’S POWERFUL SPEECH AT GENEVA: A CALL FOR ZIMBABWE’S FREEDOM

On May 15, 2024, Job Sikhala, a well-known lawyer and former political prisoner from Zimbabwe, gave a moving speech at the 16th Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. His speech focused on the political persecution that many Zimbabweans face under a harsh government. Sikhala used his own painful experience to show the suffering of many people in Zimbabwe.

Sikhala, who has opposed Zimbabwe’s government for many years, shared the story of his arrest on June 14, 2022. He was arrested while he was helping the family of Moreblessing Ali, an opposition activist who had been killed. His arrest showed the clear political pressure that people face in Zimbabwe. Sikhala was put in Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for 595 days, even before his trial. During this time, he was kept in solitary confinement, denied basic needs, and not given proper legal rights. This is a clear violation of human rights.

In his speech, Sikhala talked about the many times he had been arrested during his almost 30-year political career. He said these arrests were meant to silence him and other people who spoke out against the government. He also talked about how he was treated while in prison—he was chained, kept alone, and got sick often without receiving medical care. His description showed the cruelty of the Zimbabwean government towards its people.

Sikhala’s speech did not just focus on himself. He also shared how others connected to him suffered too. His wife was arrested for a minor traffic offense, and students were arrested simply for asking for his release. This showed that the government is using fear to control people and stop them from speaking out. Sikhala’s story is just one example of the bigger problem in Zimbabwe, where anyone who stands against the government is punished.

He also talked about how his legal career was destroyed by the government, and his family and colleagues continue to face harassment. He even mentioned how Moreblessing Ali’s funeral was ruined by a mob sent by the government, which shows how far the regime will go to hurt its people.

In his speech, Sikhala did more than just share his pain. He asked the world to take action. He talked about new laws like “The Patriotic Act,” which limit freedom of speech and punish political opponents. He also discussed how only the rich have access to good education in Zimbabwe, while most people are left behind. This has made many young people feel hopeless and without a future.

Sikhala did not stop there. He also talked about climate change, which is making life harder in Southern Africa. Many people in Zimbabwe are already struggling with political and social problems, and climate change is making things worse. He asked the international community to make sure that aid is given fairly, so it doesn’t become another way for the government to control people.

At the end of his speech, Sikhala introduced the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG). This is a group that wants to encourage democracy and fight back against the government’s harsh measures. Sikhala’s role in this group shows that he is still committed to fighting for freedom and human rights, even after all he has been through.

Job Sikhala’s speech was a strong reminder that the fight against oppression in Zimbabwe is far from over. He asked the world to stand with those who are fighting for democracy and human rights, not just in Zimbabwe but everywhere. Sikhala’s final words, where he asked for divine blessings for the audience, showed his hope and his deep commitment to a free and democratic Zimbabwe. His speech was a call for the courage to fight against injustice and the strength to keep going, no matter how hard the road may be.