Zimbabwe fought hard for its independence. After years as a British colony, Zimbabwe won independence in 1980. This was a moment of hope. The people believed they were moving towards democracy, freedom, and a brighter future. They thought the new leadership would lead them towards a fair and free society. But, over 40 years later, things look very different.

The country, on paper, is a republic. This means Zimbabwe should have a government chosen by the people, by voting, and with leaders who care for their needs. However, this has not been the reality. Instead of true democracy, Zimbabwe’s government has acted like an authoritarian regime. This means power is held by a small group, and this group controls everything.

At the beginning, Robert Mugabe became the leader of Zimbabwe. He led the country for many years. But instead of delivering democracy, his government was marked by control, corruption, and fear. In 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa replaced him, and people thought maybe now things would change. Sadly, many of the same problems continue. The government still holds on to power tightly. The freedoms promised to the people are often ignored.

A recent example shows how difficult it is for Zimbabweans to exercise their basic rights. On June 16, Jameson Timba, a former opposition minister and Member of Parliament, was arrested. He was not alone; 78 other people were arrested with him. They were holding a private gathering to discuss youth issues, hosting a braai (a traditional barbecue). Their meeting was intended to bring the youth together and discuss their needs and concerns. Yet, the authorities saw this as a threat.

The government accused Timba and the others of breaking laws around freedom of assembly, association, and expression. These rights are written in Zimbabwe’s constitution, but they are often ignored. The arrests show how the government limits free speech and assembly, especially for those who disagree with its policies. This is not the first time; it is part of a larger pattern of stifling any voices that challenge the government.

These repressive acts have serious consequences. When people cannot freely gather or speak, it creates a society full of fear. Many people become too scared to express their thoughts. They worry about facing punishment if they say something the government does not like. This fear prevents citizens from taking part in national conversations, which is important for any country to move forward. It discourages the youth and others from getting involved in change.

Arrests like those of Timba and his group send a strong message: challenging the government is dangerous. People may feel like they cannot speak up or push for change. Zimbabwe’s political landscape feels stuck, with power held by a few, and no room for opposition. Democracy is meant to allow for different voices, accountability, and the sharing of power, but these ideals feel far away in Zimbabwe.

Other countries are watching. Some have tried to apply pressure on Zimbabwe’s government. They call for Zimbabwe to respect human rights and democracy. Some use sanctions as a tool, hoping the government will change. However, the results are mixed. Often, the government claims these efforts are foreign interference, which makes people more skeptical of outside help.

The situation of Jameson Timba and the others reminds us that the fight for a free Zimbabwe is still ongoing. Zimbabweans face a hard challenge: they are not just up against outside problems, but also their own government, which seems determined to keep its power. For many Zimbabweans, the dream of a truly democratic nation lives on, but it is a difficult dream. The fight is not over; Zimbabwe is still searching for the democracy it once hoped for.