UNITED FOR FREEDOM: STANDING WITH THE ZIMBABWE VIGIL IN LONDON

On a bitterly cold January day, with snow threatening to fall, I joined a small but resolute group of activists outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London for the first Vigil of 2025. Braving the harsh weather, we stood together in protest against the oppressive ZANU-PF regime in Zimbabwe, a regime responsible for decades of human rights abuses and a crippling lack of democracy.

The Zimbabwe Vigil has been a cornerstone of resistance in the diaspora since 2002, meeting regularly to demand internationally monitored free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. This week, it was my honor to stand in solidarity with this determined group as an activist from Eswatini, where my people face our own struggles against a brutal monarchy. My journey from Birmingham to London was insignificant compared to the sacrifices made by so many fighting for democracy across Africa.

Despite the freezing conditions, the energy and determination of the activists were palpable. Shepherd Gandanga traveled from Wales, Dumisani Nyathi from Southend-on-Sea, Blessing Harry from Slough, and Patricia Masamba ensured everything was in place for the event. Each person’s story reminded me that the fight for freedom knows no borders.

As we stood in front of the embassy, I couldn’t help but reflect on the shared challenges facing Zimbabwe and my homeland, Eswatini. Zimbabwe’s democracy has been hijacked by a military dictatorship that manipulates elections to sustain its grip on power. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, a mere appendage of ZANU-PF, ensures that voting is nothing more than a charade. Similarly, Eswatini remains shackled under the absolute monarchy of King Mswati III, where multi-party democracy is forbidden, and dissent is met with arbitrary arrests, abductions, or worse.

These two regimes, though different in structure, share a chilling disregard for human rights and democracy. Both nations are suffocating under systems designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. This is why it is imperative for African nations to unite in their struggles against dictatorship and tyranny.

As we spoke during the Vigil, the idea of collective resistance emerged as a recurring theme. The fight for democracy in Zimbabwe is not just for Zimbabweans, just as the struggle for freedom in Eswatini extends beyond its borders. Oppression anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere. This interconnectedness fuels my passion for activism and underscores the importance of solidarity among African nations.

The Vigil’s resilience is a source of inspiration. It would have been easy to stay home, warm and sheltered, but the urgency of our cause demanded otherwise. Activists stood firm in the face of the cold, sending a clear message: we will not stop until justice is served. The Zimbabwe Vigil has been relentless for over two decades, and its commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in the fight for justice.

The stories of activists like those at the Zimbabwe Vigil resonate deeply with me. In Eswatini, my decision to support the pro-democracy movement forced me to flee my homeland after facing threats and attacks. Yet, I am reminded that activism is not about comfort or safety; it is about standing for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The Zimbabwe Vigil, with its partners like the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR), continues to advocate for justice and human rights both in Zimbabwe and abroad. Their work is a testament to the power of unity and the resilience of those who refuse to accept oppression. As I stood with them, I felt the strength of our shared determination—a bond forged in the fires of struggle.

This fight is not for the faint of heart, but as we weathered the cold together, it became clear that our collective spirit is unbreakable. Together, we will continue to shine a light on injustice, demand accountability, and stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. The path to democracy in Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and across Africa may be long, but we will walk it together, no matter how treacherous the weather.