ZIMBABWE’S INDEPENDENCE IS A MIRAGE – by Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu

18th April, 2024

The celebration of independence in Zimbabwe is complicated by State-sponsored human rights violations, which include murders, enforced disappearances, torture and general persecution of citizens. This is made worse by the high levels of corruption whereby ZANU-PF leaders and their connections are siphoning the resources for self-gain whilst the masses are suffering.

If it weren’t for these, I would be celebrating.

We waged a war of liberation from colonial rule with the hope that we could have a fair and just society where everyone would be free to participate in the country's affairs, have equal access to resources, and be protected by the law. We also hoped that everyone would be able to vote in elections and choose political leaders without fear of reprisals from the State or ruling party.

Sadly, the situation obtaining is such that it seems the war of liberation was in vain.

All we achieved was the substitution of black oppressors for white oppressors.

I am not going to celebrate this mirage of independence, and I hope one day we will be truly independent,

About the author

Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe based in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted by email at michellempofu11@gmal.com