YOUTH PERSECUTION IN ZIMBABWE: A GROWING CRISIS
The persecution of young people in Zimbabwe is becoming worse. The government’s actions against these young voices are a sign of the political problems and human rights abuses happening in the country. Instead of silencing these young people, Zimbabwean authorities should focus on finding and punishing those responsible for their abduction, torture, and assault. The first known victim of this brutal force is Takudzwa Ngadziore, a brave young human rights activist. The oppressive system finds it hard to silence Ngadziore as he speaks out for freedom against the failing government.
Ngadziore and many others are being persecuted by the government. This includes Godfrey Kuraone, an Alliance youth organizing secretary, who was denied bail after being accused of inciting violence against President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Joan Mamombe, Cecilia Chinembiri, and Netsai Marova were also victims. They were accused of lying about their abduction and torture by state agents. This led to the #ZimLivesMatter campaign, which got worldwide attention. However, the lack of international intervention has upset many people, as international law principles prevent interference in another sovereign state, giving the oppressor immunity.
The government system in Zimbabwe is unconstitutionally conducting its affairs. The courts and public institutions are under its control, making good governance just an interesting topic to read about. Accountability, rule of law, transparency, and human security remain blurry. Voicing concerns and enlightening the public has been criminalized, as seen in Hopewell Chin’ono’s case. His crime was demanding accountability and transparency from government officials while exposing corrupt individuals. This is the same fight the youth are taking on, calling for action against these corrupt officials. The harmful nature of these cartels is intolerable for the future generation.
The youth alliance is pushing for reforms. Employment is difficult, and the rulers continue to urge entrepreneurship in an unfriendly business environment. The policies are disastrous, the economy is in shambles, and the youth are denied access to meaningful participation. The system enjoys manipulative and decorative youth participation. The difference between a graduate and a school dropout is hard to notice, although it exists in the brain. But what is the use of knowledge if it cannot be used? If knowledge is power, it raises a question for every graduate in Zimbabwe: why is the power taking time to manifest? The less knowledgeable control the system. Employment by merit is now a thing of the past. Many years of hard work and study, along with family savings, are wasted. Empowerment, a key ingredient for development, is lacking. These are the daily thoughts tormenting the youth, which the alliance plans to address, causing tension and unrest in the eyes and ears of the authorities. The dreams of a better future seem to exist only in the pages of the Holy Bible, as the harsh reality challenges faith. It took the Israelites 40 years to reach the promised land. Will Zimbabwe’s 40 years after independence end in harmony? Only time will tell.
When we are afraid, we lose all sense of analysis and reflection. Fear paralyzes, and it has been the driving force behind all dictators’ repression. The ruling class has kept most people from questioning the unfair system where they pay heavy taxes and get nothing in return except evil disguised as constitutional acts. One of the saddest lessons of history is that people, having been deceived for so long, tend to reject any evidence of the deception. They no longer seek the truth. The deceivers have captured them. It is painful to acknowledge the truth, even to themselves. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you have the duty to take it back, although the possibility is as slim as the eye of a needle. Enthusiastic youths in the alliance continue to push for the common good. Leaders who do not engage in dialogue but impose their decisions do not organize the people; they manipulate them. They do not liberate but oppress. This ideology remains a threat to the system, as evidenced by the rising number of abductions and torture of youths. Some manage to avoid media and public attention, but the problem persists.
Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed.
