Sir, – Zimbabwe, once hailed as the breadbasket of Africa, is now synonymous with political instability, economic collapse, and social division. The nation has endured decades of turmoil, first under the rule of Robert Mugabe and now under his successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Many Zimbabweans and observers around the world are asking a painful question: when will Zimbabwe be free? When Mr Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after a military coup that ousted Mugabe, there was a wave of optimism in Zimbabwe and the international community.
Mr Mnangagwa, a former guerrilla leader during the liberation struggle and long-time Mugabe ally, promised to usher in a new era of economic revival, political reform, and national unity.
However, almost seven years into his leadership, the hope has faded, replaced by disillusionment and despair. Public services, including healthcare and education, are in a state of collapse. Many Zimbabweans rely on the informal economy to survive, and millions have fled the country in search of better opportunities. The economic hardships have deepened social divisions, with many blaming Mr Mnangagwa’s policies for exacerbating the crisis.
Mr Mnangagwa’s leadership has been marked by increasing political repression. Dissent is met with brutal crackdowns, and opposition figures, journalists, and activists are regularly harassed, arrested, or worse. The government’s heavy-handed response to protests and opposition activities has created an atmosphere of fear, stifling democratic expression and deepening the divisions within society. The 2023 elections, widely criticised for irregularities and a lack of transparency, further eroded the credibility of Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions. Mr Mnangagwa’s victory was seen by many as a consolidation of power rather than a genuine reflection of the people’s will. The opposition’s call for reforms has been met with resistance, leaving little room for hope of a peaceful transition to a more democratic system.
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For Zimbabwe to become a free nation, several critical changes must occur: there must be a genuine commitment to political reform. This includes restoring the rule of law, ensuring free and fair elections, and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, economic policies need to be overhauled to promote sustainable development, reduce corruption, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all Zimbabweans.
The international community can play a role in supporting these efforts, but ultimately, the change must come from within, there needs to be a concerted effort to heal the divisions within society. This requires leadership that prioritises national unity over political expediency, as well as grassroots initiatives to foster dialogue and reconciliation among Zimbabweans.
The road to freedom in Zimbabwe is fraught with challenges, and the current trajectory under Mr Mnangagwa does not inspire confidence. However, the resilience of the Zimbabwean people should not be underestimated. Despite the hardships they face, there remains a deep-seated desire for change and a better future.
When will Zimbabwe be free? The answer lies in the collective will of its people to demand accountability, push for reform, and resist the forces that seek to divide them. True freedom will require a profound transformation of Zimbabwe’s political, economic, and social landscape a transformation that only the Zimbabwean people, with the support of the global community, can achieve. – Yours, etc,
NEWTON TAPIWA MPOFU,
Walsall,
United Kingdom.