As Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on August 17, the government is showing its true face—not one of leadership, but of fear and repression. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have sounded the alarm, condemning Zimbabwe’s ongoing crackdown on civil society and opposition voices. Their message is loud and clear: this is not what democracy looks like.

Instead of using the summit to showcase progress or regional leadership, Zimbabwean authorities are arresting peaceful activists and tightening their grip on freedom. This crackdown is not about law and order—it’s about silencing dissent before the world’s cameras arrive. Activists are being thrown into jail for holding meetings, protesting, or simply speaking out. These are not crimes—they are rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s own constitution.

The message from the state is simple: if you oppose us, we will crush you.

This brutal clampdown comes as the government prepares to welcome leaders from across southern Africa. What should be a celebration of regional unity and progress is now overshadowed by scenes of repression. Activists are rotting in cells. Civil society is under siege. And Zimbabwe’s leaders are hoping the international community won’t notice.

But the world is watching. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees. They rightly point out that these arrests are illegal, immoral, and in direct violation of the freedoms Zimbabweans are supposed to enjoy. Freedom of speech. Freedom of assembly. The right to protest. These are not optional—they are the foundation of any democratic society.

Yet, in Zimbabwe, these rights come with a price. Speak out, and you are targeted. Organize peacefully, and you are labeled a threat to national security. Criticize the government, and you will find yourself behind bars.

This is the reality under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule. Despite his promises of reform and a “new dispensation,” Zimbabwe remains trapped in the iron grip of authoritarianism. The same playbook used under Mugabe is still in use today—only the faces have changed. The same fear. The same lies. The same abuse of power.

Now, with the SADC summit days away, the regime is desperate to hide the truth. But it’s too late. The world has seen what is happening. Human rights organizations have spoken. Regional allies are watching. And the people of Zimbabwe are not fooled.

If Zimbabwe wants to earn respect as a regional leader, it must act like one. That starts with releasing all political prisoners. It means ending the harassment of opposition leaders and civil society. And it means respecting the constitution—not just when it’s convenient, but always.

The SADC summit offers a chance to do the right thing. But so far, Mnangagwa’s government has chosen fear over freedom. That choice may cost them more than just regional credibility—it could deepen Zimbabwe’s isolation and strengthen the resolve of those demanding change.

To the international community: speak louder. To SADC leaders: hold Zimbabwe accountable. To the people: do not be silent.

Zimbabwe cannot build a future on the backs of broken rights. If this regime wants legitimacy, it must start by respecting the voices it fears most.

The crackdown must end. Freedom must rise. And the world must not look away.CRACKDOWN AHEAD OF SADC SUMMIT EXPOSES ZIMBABWE’S AUTHORITARIAN TRUTH

As Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on August 17, the government is showing its true face—not one of leadership, but of fear and repression. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have sounded the alarm, condemning Zimbabwe’s ongoing crackdown on civil society and opposition voices. Their message is loud and clear: this is not what democracy looks like.

Instead of using the summit to showcase progress or regional leadership, Zimbabwean authorities are arresting peaceful activists and tightening their grip on freedom. This crackdown is not about law and order—it’s about silencing dissent before the world’s cameras arrive. Activists are being thrown into jail for holding meetings, protesting, or simply speaking out. These are not crimes—they are rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s own constitution.

The message from the state is simple: if you oppose us, we will crush you.

This brutal clampdown comes as the government prepares to welcome leaders from across southern Africa. What should be a celebration of regional unity and progress is now overshadowed by scenes of repression. Activists are rotting in cells. Civil society is under siege. And Zimbabwe’s leaders are hoping the international community won’t notice.

But the world is watching. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees. They rightly point out that these arrests are illegal, immoral, and in direct violation of the freedoms Zimbabweans are supposed to enjoy. Freedom of speech. Freedom of assembly. The right to protest. These are not optional—they are the foundation of any democratic society.

Yet, in Zimbabwe, these rights come with a price. Speak out, and you are targeted. Organize peacefully, and you are labeled a threat to national security. Criticize the government, and you will find yourself behind bars.

This is the reality under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule. Despite his promises of reform and a “new dispensation,” Zimbabwe remains trapped in the iron grip of authoritarianism. The same playbook used under Mugabe is still in use today—only the faces have changed. The same fear. The same lies. The same abuse of power.

Now, with the SADC summit days away, the regime is desperate to hide the truth. But it’s too late. The world has seen what is happening. Human rights organizations have spoken. Regional allies are watching. And the people of Zimbabwe are not fooled.

If Zimbabwe wants to earn respect as a regional leader, it must act like one. That starts with releasing all political prisoners. It means ending the harassment of opposition leaders and civil society. And it means respecting the constitution—not just when it’s convenient, but always.

The SADC summit offers a chance to do the right thing. But so far, Mnangagwa’s government has chosen fear over freedom. That choice may cost them more than just regional credibility—it could deepen Zimbabwe’s isolation and strengthen the resolve of those demanding change.

To the international community: speak louder. To SADC leaders: hold Zimbabwe accountable. To the people: do not be silent.

Zimbabwe cannot build a future on the backs of broken rights. If this regime wants legitimacy, it must start by respecting the voices it fears most.

The crackdown must end. Freedom must rise. And the world must not look away.