ZIMBABWE IS BLEEDING AND THE WORLD MUST NOT LOOK AWAY
In 2023, Zimbabwe faced one of its darkest years since independence. Instead of moving forward, we went backwards. Our leaders chose power over people. They chose fear over freedom. And today, Zimbabwe is not free. It is captured by a party that has no shame in abusing power — ZANU PF.
The August 2023 elections were not free and fair. Everyone saw it. The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) tried to give people hope. But hope was destroyed when their Members of Parliament were removed by a man who just claimed to be the secretary-general. No court order. No proper process. Just one man and ZANU PF playing games with people’s votes. What kind of democracy is that?
Election observers from the European Union and SADC came to Zimbabwe. They told the truth. They said the elections failed to follow the Constitution and the Electoral Act. They said the elections were full of threats, violence and unfairness. But ZANU PF did not care. They still celebrated. They still forced President Mnangagwa into power again, even when the people had questions and fears.
On election night, things became worse. Government forces raided election monitoring groups. They arrested workers and volunteers. Why? Because ZANU PF didn’t want anyone to see the truth. They didn’t want independent results. They wanted to control everything. That is not democracy. That is dictatorship.
Even after all this, only a few regional leaders came to Mnangagwa’s inauguration. That shows the world is watching. But watching is not enough. The world must act.
In 2023, 291 civil society organisations were shut down by the government. They were accused of not following the rules. But in truth, they were silenced for speaking up. This shows us that ZANU PF is not just attacking the opposition. It is attacking the whole of civil society. Everyone who speaks out is now a target.
New laws were passed like the amendments to the Private Voluntary Organisations Act and the “Patriotic Bill.” These laws are dangerous. They are made to control people and stop them from talking about the truth. ZANU PF wants to call anyone who speaks out “unpatriotic.” But what is real patriotism? Loving your country or protecting a corrupt government?
People who speak out are being arrested for no reason. Opposition members are taken to court with fake charges. Some are even tortured, kidnapped, and raped. After that, they are told they faked their own abductions. Can you imagine? Victims are turned into criminals. This is cruelty at its highest level.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is not trusted anymore. It works for the ruling party, not the people. And the police and army are used to scare people instead of protecting them.
This is not the Zimbabwe we want. This is not what the people fought for. Zimbabwe is bleeding. People are tired. People are scared. But they still want change.
As Zimbabweans, we must not keep quiet. And the world must not ignore us. We need international help. We need justice. We need peace. ZANU PF cannot keep ruling with violence, fear, and lies.
Zimbabwe is at a turning point. If we stay silent, the darkness will grow. But if we speak out, organise, and resist — then one day, Zimbabwe will be free again. A Zimbabwe where elections are fair, leaders are honest, and every citizen has the right to speak without fear.
The world must not look away. Zimbabwe needs action now.
