Estelle Wiya

Child of God
Economics and Development
Interested in many things
Love my country Zimbabwe

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

"The situation is dire, and the need for action has never been clearer.

Millions of people risk going hungry as southern Africa enters lean season." - @PhiriTomson, @WFP

[Estelle Wiya @EstelleStam]

Today marks once year since Zimbabwe's illegitimate 2023 election. May justice come.

[Hopewell Chin’ono @daddyhope]

RETWEET

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders has issued a statement calling for the release of over 100 political prisoners in Zimbabwe.

Mary Lawlor @MaryLawlorhrds described the enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture, and subsequent arbitrary detention of human rights defenders by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government as unacceptable.

Full statement below👇🏿

GENEVA (15 August 2024) – The Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained for over two weeks and drop charges against them, independent human rights experts* said today.

Woman human rights defender Namatai Kwekweza, teacher and labour rights defender Robson Chere, the Secretary-General of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), along with local councilor for Harare Ward 5, Samuel Gwenzi, were forcibly removed from a departing flight at Harare Airport on 31 July 2024.

Unidentified men escorted the three to a high security zone within the airport and held them incommunicado for eight hours. During this time, the three were reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including waterboarding.

Additionally, they were severely threatened against protesting in advance of or during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled for 17 to 19 August 2024 in Harare.

“The enforced disappearance, incommunicado detention and torture, followed by the arbitrary detention of these human rights defenders is inexcusable, and not only violates international human rights law but also makes a mockery of the safeguards contained in Zimbabwe’s own Constitution,” the experts said.

At around 9PM on 31 July 2024, the human rights defenders were handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Harare Central Police Station, when they were informed, for the first time, that they were facing charges of “disorderly conduct” under section 41 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.

These charges relate to their alleged participation in a demonstration calling for the release of a detained opposition politician.
Namatai Kwekweza was apparently not even in Zimbabwe at the time of the demonstration in question.

The experts said, “These baseless charges are being used as a fig-leaf to target human rights defenders and opposition voices for calling for greater democracy, human rights and accountability in Zimbabwe.

At a time when Zimbabwe is preparing to host the SADC summit, whose values include institutions that are “democratic, legitimate, and effective”, it is unconscionable that these human rights defenders working to strengthen such institutions remain arbitrarily detained.”

The release of the human rights defenders on bail has been opposed by the prosecutor and a further bail hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow, 16 August 2024.

The experts have been in touch with the Government of Zimbabwe on the issue.
ENDS

https://t.co/RRtWiQiTOw

[Hopewell Chin’ono @daddyhope]

PLEASE RETWEET

Forty-four civil society organizations across Africa have issued a statement against the abductions, arbitrary arrests, torture, and jailing of pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe by crookED Emmerson and his secret service thugs!

Statement:
Alarming Escalation of State Repression in Zimbabwe Ahead of 44th SADC Summit

Human rights and civil society organizations across the African continent are deeply concerned about the severe restriction of civic space and the systematic erosion of fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe.

The recent escalation in state-sponsored repression, characterized by abductions, arbitrary arrests and unjust denial of bail, torture, and harassment of human rights activists and opposition political members, represents a profoundly disturbing trend.

This repressive environment is particularly concerning ahead of the 44th session of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 17 August 2024.

It constitutes a direct assault on the fundamental rights of Zimbabwean citizens and an egregious violation of democratic principles and international standards.

The recent brutal crackdown on the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) exemplifies this escalating repression.

On Wednesday, July 24, in Harare, ZINASU students peacefully convened for their annual General Council meeting when armed police in riot gear stormed the ZESA National Training Centre.

The police violently disrupted the gathering, subjecting unarmed students to severe beatings and arresting several attendees, resulting in numerous injuries.

ZINASU, a united front of Zimbabwean tertiary students, is dedicated to protecting students from exploitation and oppression, defending academic freedoms and rights, and promoting democracy.

This incident is not isolated but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and victimization of civic groups and the opposition.

Currently, over 77 democracy activists are languishing in pre-trial detention after the High Court denied them bail following their arrest for holding a peaceful meeting at a private residence in Harare.

The detained members include children, elderly men, and women, some of whom were severely beaten and tortured while in custody.

Previously, opposition politician Mr. Job Sikhala was detained for 595 days from June 2022, frequently denied bail, kept in leg irons, in solitary confinement, and often denied access to his lawyer and relatives.

Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has also been subjected to numerous long drawn-out criminal proceedings and pre-trial detentions, and was recently convicted of the crime of Obstruction of Justice for an alleged tweet in solidarity with an arrested colleague.

The judiciary and law enforcement agencies are being weaponized to prosecute and persecute political opponents, signalling an alarming escalation of domestic repression.

Moreover, there has been a disturbing rise in extrajudicial killings, forming part of state-sanctioned violence against activists.

Following the controversial August 2023 elections, several opposition members were abducted, tortured, and killed, including political activist Mr. Tapfumaneyi Masaya, who was abducted, tortured, and murdered on November 12, 2023.

These incidents highlight the ongoing injustices against defenceless citizens and the relentless shrinking of democratic space.

Additionally, recent death threats issued by Zimbabwe’s Information Minister, Mr. Jenfan Muswere, accusing the opposition and civil society organizations of planning to instigate chaos and subversive activities, further exacerbate fears. President Mnangagwa's remarks warning against “rogue elements” inciting civil disorder ahead of the SADC Summit underscore the state's intent to suppress dissent.

On 31 July 2024, pro-democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza, trade unionist Robson Chere, and former councillor, opposition member Samuel Gwenzi and Vusumuzi Moyo were apprehended and removed by suspected security service officers from a domestic flight headed to Victoria Falls for a civil society workshop.

For at least eight hours they were held incommunicado, their whereabouts unknown to both family and lawyers.

When their lawyers eventually accessed them, Robson Chere had been visibly tortured and was in great pain. During consultations with their lawyers all of them reported being tortured and subjected to cruel inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment. They have now been absurdly charged with disorderly conduct in a public place.

We remind the Zimbabwean government of its obligations under article 4 of the SADC Treaty which requires its member states to act in accordance with the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Section 44 of the Zimbabwean Constitution mandates the respect, protection, promotion, and fulfilment of the rights and freedoms delineated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to freedom of assembly and association as specified in Section 58.

These rights are also enshrined in international law and several binding regional instruments, including Articles 10 and 11 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter), Article 8 of the African Charter, Articles 20 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

These rights are central to Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy, providing a vital avenue for citizens to advance their objectives of promoting human rights and freedoms.

Gatherings of student unions, political parties and civil society organizatons have never posed a security threat.

We demand a clear and coherent explanation from the authorities for such heavy-handed actions, which only serve to heighten unnecessary security fears ahead of the SADC Summit.

Signed By:
1. Africa Unite (South Africa)
2. Africans Rising
3. Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) Mozambique
4. Center for Strategic Litigation
5. Centre for Human Rights - University of Pretoria
6. Chapter One Foundation
7. Chitungwiza residents trust (CHITREST)
8. Coalition des volontaires pour la paix et Développement
9. Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO Ethiopia
10. Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
11. Democratic Alliance
12. DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights 13. Ecumenical Service on Southern Africa KASA
14. Friends of Angola (FOA)
15. Human Rights Forum, South Africa (HRFSA)
16. Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA) 17. International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
18. Khulumani Support Group
19. Langa Community Advice Services
20. Magamba Network (Zimbabwe)
21. Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA)
22. Mozambique Human Rights Defenders Network (RMDDH)
23. National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders - Kenya
24. Network of the independent Commission for Human rights in North Africa
CIDH
25. Pan Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (African Defenders)
26. Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU)
27. Protection International Africa
28. Save Our Sacred Lands (SOSL, South Africa)
29. Second Largest Political Party in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa 30. Seinoli Legal Centre (Lesotho)
31. Southern Africa Doctors for Human Rights (SADHR)
32. Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (Southern Defenders)
33. Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC)
34. The Forge Foundation (TFF, South Africa)
35. The Mike Campbell Foundation (Zimbabwe/UK)
36. The Public Interest Practice (South Africa)
37. Ukuthula Trust
38. Women’s Academy For Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE)
39. Women's Institute for Leadership Development (WILD)
40. Youth and Society (YAS, Malawi)
41. Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD)
42. Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
43. Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
44. Zimbabwe Solidarity Network (ZSN)

#TogetherWeDefend

[Takudzwa Ngadziore @ngadziore]

This too shall pass ! Below is Namatai Kwekweza @namataik_ a pro-democracy activist & focused young Global leader ! Today she will spend another night inside the dungeons of terror for a crime she didn’t commit. Prayers are with her : Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi & Vusumusi Moyo !

[Terence Wood @terencewoodnz]

Devpolicy's aid news, from @chill_AID is up. As always, it's the best way to stay across news about aid from Australia and further afield: https://t.co/3KE3jCj86J

[Doug Coltart ⚖️🇿🇼 @DougColtart]

Phillis Pikitai is still behind bars - simply for peacefully pleading for the release of her disabled husband, Ronald Hondongwa, who’s not receiving the care in prison his disability requires. She’s back in court tomorrow at 11:00. She deserves our solidarity. Please RETWEET.

[Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 @AdamTheofilatos]

Zimbabwe Women are the champions of Africa and take Gold at the Africa Games!

Here is the historic moment that Zimbabwe took down South Africa!

What a team 🇿🇼🥇

[David Coltart @DavidColtart]

I strongly encourage Zimbabweans to view the site https://t.co/YuDZ3n656k . It provides a sobering assessment of food shortages of millions of Zimbabweans. It is clear we have a major crisis and we all need to pull together to ensure that hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans don't starve.

The figures produced by the WFP are chilling. As of today some 5,3 million Zimbabweans have insufficient food consumption. In other words 1 in 3 people have insufficient food to eat today.

[larry kwirirayi ✍📔 @kwirirayi]

I think Zimbabwe and SA should have a test series, home and away every two years and call it the 'Battle of Limpopo' or something. Lots of money to be made there

[Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 @advocatemahere]

🟣Good morning Minister @TateMavetera,

1. Why is @ZBCNewsonline allowed to use @Starlink yet the common person is arrested and prosecuted for doing the same?

2. Why is the son of a Govt Minister allowed to sell @Starlink without being arrested, yet others are arrested and prosecuted for using it?

3. What kind of a nation criminalizes the use of @Starlink? Especially where there is such a struggle to access quality internet?

We need new leaders.🇿🇼

[ANU African Studies Network @AnuAfricStud]

The @_AfricanUnion launched its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) for Agenda 2063 on 17/02/2024. We commend the AU for all its aspirations for the continent. Read @EstelleStam's thoughts on the plan here👉 https://t.co/EMRXhl3SvE
#ANU
#AfricanStudies
#Agenda2063

[nelson chamisa @nelsonchamisa]

A MILESTONE in the struggle for freedom that @JobSikhala1 and Godfrey Sithole are finally free after a prolonged pre-trial incarceration on account of politics. All glory be to God!! Their much awaited release is a reversal of one of the extremest of errors in the politics of Zimbabwe. Their incarceration stands out as an act of gross injustice, a vivid example of Zimbabwe’s broken, vindictive and toxic politics. As #CitizensMatter we continue to push for the freedom of #MRP9 and a cessation to all persecutions and hostilities on account of politics in ZIMBABWE. #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #CitizensUnitedGovern

[HON Job Wiwa Sikhala @JobSikhala1]

Dear Zimbabweans and Worldwide Friends.

For nearly 2 years, I suffered in my oppressors' prison. You prayed 4 me 2 be released from the jaws of my tormentors. You made loud clamours for my release as you know that I was innocent. Yu stood with my family. I am crying as I am

[Doug Coltart ⚖️🇿🇼 @DougColtart]

Job Sikhala is back in his home watching his beloved Arsenal.

[David Coltart @DavidColtart]

Thank you good Lord for the release of Job Sikhala this evening, pictured here with ⁦@DougColtart⁩ soon after his release.

[Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 @advocatemahere]

🟡DAY 571. Pane asipo. #FreeWiwa

[Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 @advocatemahere]

🚩Punitive taxes.
🚩Power blackouts.
🚩Dead currency.
🚩Price increases.
🚩Maize shortage.
🚩School fees hikes.
🚩Water cuts.
🚩Cholera
🚩Broken public health system.
🚩Low wages.
🚩Hyperinflation.
🚩War on small businesses.
🚩Political prisoners.
🚩Tollgate fee hikes.
🚩Passport fee hikes.
🚩Attack on artists.
🚩Repression.
🚩Protests banned.
🚩Free speech criminalized.
🚩No democracy.
🚩Anti-people budget.
🚩War on commerce.
🚩Chaotic mining sector.
🚩Land invasions.
🚩No stadium.

It’s a mess.

We need new leaders.🇿🇼

[Doug Coltart ⚖️🇿🇼 @DougColtart]

This is the third Christmas in a row that the MRP 9 have spent in prison, having been arrested on 10 March 2021. Political prisoners are a blight on our society. We must all demand their release.
#FreeMRP9 #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners