An unprecedented human rights crisis is unfolding in Zimbabwe. Why isn’t anybody talking about it?

By: Kevin Kimble

Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF government has been using state-sanctioned violence to crush political dissent for decades. Now, under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, countless lawmakers, civilian activists, and their families have been subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, kidnapping, torture, and sexual violence. In a period of just 6 days between 27 July 2020 and 1 August 2020, at least 70 opposition party members and civilian activists were arrested, jailed, abducted or tortured by the Zimbabwean authorities and individuals connected to ZANU PF. Recently, the Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, Hon. Jasmin Toffa was brutally attacked by a group of ZANU-PF supporters who broke both of her hands.

At this very moment, as many as one hundred members of opposition parties are facing criminal charges. These cases will be heard in specialized political courts by judges who are under the control of government ministers – a fact recently revealed in an open letter penned by a courageous group of Zimbabwean magistrates.

Two Members of the Zimbabwean Parliament, Hon. Job Sikhala and Hon. Godfrey Sithole will soon face trial for speaking out against ZANU-PF. Even though neither one has ever been convicted of a crime, both lawmakers were denied bail and jailed under inhuman conditions at the notorious Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare. Mr. Sikhala has not been released since his arrest on 14 June 2022. He is shackled with leg irons every day and sleeps on a concrete floor arm-to-arm with dozens of convicted violent inmates.

This continued repression of Zimbabwean citizens and subversion of social justice must be addressed before Presidential elections are held in Zimbabwe next year. It is time remind our elected representatives of the billions of dollars in foreign aid the US has provided to Zimbabwe. In the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Mr. Kimble is a 25-year veteran of Capital Hill and has held positions as chief of staff for a senior member of congress and chief lobbyist for one of the nation's largest fi nancial services fi rms. As current D.C. Bureau Chief for the national chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Kevin has unparalleled access to minority communities and civic leaders around the country. He is routinely called upon and advises members of congress on policy and legislative issues and has been asked to speak to state and local government and testify at hearings.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Power Mover. His legacy empowers generations. Yet he knew true change could not happen alone. He inspired others to move – like Bernard LaFayette Jr., who marched alongside King for a just and equitable world. LaFayette, like King, believes our best days were ahead of us. Today, we celebrate the power that inspires us all to move toward a better tomorrow. Move like LaFayette. Move like King.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference proudly celebrates and shares perspective on the life and accomplishments of Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr.

We would also like to acknowledge “When I Get Grown- Reflections of Freedom Rider” for winning Best Short documentary at the Harlem International Film Festival. This Film focused on Dr. LaFayette’s Work.