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Sikhala arrested over war vets push for Mnangagwa resignation
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Opposition politician Job Sikhala, leader of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), was arrested yesterday in Penhalonga, near Mutare, along with 21 other members of his political group for allegedly planning a meeting to discuss whether they should back the war veterans in their call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, stating, "I can confirm that Job Sikhala and 21 others have been arrested in Mutare. More details will be released in due course."
The arrests come in the wake of growing tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party after its annual conference last year resolved to extend Mnangagwa's presidency beyond the constitutional term that ends in 2028. This proposal has faced strong opposition, particularly from war veterans, including outspoken former Zanu-PF MP Blessing Runesu Geza, who has been vocal in demanding the resignation of the 82-year-old president.
Sikhala, who has been a victim of political persecution under the Mnangagwa regime, recently expressed support for Geza's brave stand against Zanu-PF's leadership, praising his courage in speaking out. On social media, Sikhala described Geza's actions as a beacon of hope for Zimbabweans fighting for democracy and human rights.
Geza, a former Zanu-PF central committee member, has heavily criticized the ruling party's leadership, accusing them of personalizing power and neglecting the welfare of ordinary citizens who continue to suffer from poverty. He also criticized President Mnangagwa's failure to address escalating corruption, which he argues is damaging the economy.
In a statement, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi had previously claimed that the police would arrest Geza on alleged murder charges related to a case in which Geza had been acquitted.
Sikhala, who spent 595 days in detention for charges related to publishing false statements and incitement to violence, expressed solidarity with Geza's stance, particularly regarding the extension of Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028. Sikhala was released from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison on January 30, 2024, after receiving a suspended sentence, which was later quashed in a High Court ruling in July 2024.
In an interview with The Standard, Sikhala emphasized the need for unity in the opposition movement to confront Zanu-PF's misrule. He said, "The issues raised by war veteran leader Blessing Geza are issues that resonate with the masses of our people and affect every Zimbabwean."
He also acknowledged the ongoing persecution of opposition figures, citing the cases of Jameson Timba, Namatai Kwekweza, and Robson Chere, which, he argued, reflect the abuse of the judiciary for political purposes. He added that the growing call for Mnangagwa's term extension has united Zimbabweans in opposition, saying, "There is no other issue that has national consensus and has brought Zimbabweans together more than the attempt to amend the constitution to suit the ego of a single man."
Sikhala also commended Geza for his efforts to highlight the lack of democratic space in Zimbabwe and the need for political reform. "Every sane Zimbabwean is in agreement with Geza that the political space needs to be opened for every Zimbabwean," he said. "He is correct that the national democratic revolution needs to be reset."
Looking ahead, Sikhala, who was once a key figure in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), expressed his intention to hold discussions with the war veterans to determine whether they should collaborate in the fight against Zanu-PF's rule. He noted, "Collaboration should not be an individual glory-seeking escapade. This is a national question, not a Sikhala question."
The NDWG is expected to meet today to deliberate on their position regarding support for the war veterans and their calls for democratic reforms. Sikhala emphasized that the decision would reflect the will of the majority of Zimbabweans, as the issues raised by the war veterans are of national importance.
The arrest of Sikhala and his colleagues has raised further concerns over the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe, with opposition leaders and civil society groups pledging to resist any efforts to suppress dissent.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, stating, "I can confirm that Job Sikhala and 21 others have been arrested in Mutare. More details will be released in due course."
The arrests come in the wake of growing tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party after its annual conference last year resolved to extend Mnangagwa's presidency beyond the constitutional term that ends in 2028. This proposal has faced strong opposition, particularly from war veterans, including outspoken former Zanu-PF MP Blessing Runesu Geza, who has been vocal in demanding the resignation of the 82-year-old president.
Sikhala, who has been a victim of political persecution under the Mnangagwa regime, recently expressed support for Geza's brave stand against Zanu-PF's leadership, praising his courage in speaking out. On social media, Sikhala described Geza's actions as a beacon of hope for Zimbabweans fighting for democracy and human rights.
Geza, a former Zanu-PF central committee member, has heavily criticized the ruling party's leadership, accusing them of personalizing power and neglecting the welfare of ordinary citizens who continue to suffer from poverty. He also criticized President Mnangagwa's failure to address escalating corruption, which he argues is damaging the economy.
In a statement, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi had previously claimed that the police would arrest Geza on alleged murder charges related to a case in which Geza had been acquitted.
In an interview with The Standard, Sikhala emphasized the need for unity in the opposition movement to confront Zanu-PF's misrule. He said, "The issues raised by war veteran leader Blessing Geza are issues that resonate with the masses of our people and affect every Zimbabwean."
He also acknowledged the ongoing persecution of opposition figures, citing the cases of Jameson Timba, Namatai Kwekweza, and Robson Chere, which, he argued, reflect the abuse of the judiciary for political purposes. He added that the growing call for Mnangagwa's term extension has united Zimbabweans in opposition, saying, "There is no other issue that has national consensus and has brought Zimbabweans together more than the attempt to amend the constitution to suit the ego of a single man."
Sikhala also commended Geza for his efforts to highlight the lack of democratic space in Zimbabwe and the need for political reform. "Every sane Zimbabwean is in agreement with Geza that the political space needs to be opened for every Zimbabwean," he said. "He is correct that the national democratic revolution needs to be reset."
Looking ahead, Sikhala, who was once a key figure in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), expressed his intention to hold discussions with the war veterans to determine whether they should collaborate in the fight against Zanu-PF's rule. He noted, "Collaboration should not be an individual glory-seeking escapade. This is a national question, not a Sikhala question."
The NDWG is expected to meet today to deliberate on their position regarding support for the war veterans and their calls for democratic reforms. Sikhala emphasized that the decision would reflect the will of the majority of Zimbabweans, as the issues raised by the war veterans are of national importance.
The arrest of Sikhala and his colleagues has raised further concerns over the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe, with opposition leaders and civil society groups pledging to resist any efforts to suppress dissent.
Source - the standard
