As the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit approaches on August 17, 2024, we, the undersigned, express our deep concern about the alarming situation in Zimbabwe. The summit's theme, “Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development,” starkly contrasts with the severe political repression currently unfolding in the country.

Since June 16, 2024, the Zimbabwean government has intensified its crackdown on dissent. Recent actions include the arrest of 77 opposition activists during a peaceful, private commemoration of Youth Day, including a mother and her child. Additionally, four pro-democracy activists were forcibly removed from flights, subjected to torture, and detained, while 18 others have been severely mistreated. This repression highlights a broader pattern of silencing those deemed threats by a regime that acts with impunity and a troubling disregard for SADC's role in regional governance.

The SADC Summit represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate integrity and commitment to human rights. It must not be an endorsement of the ongoing atrocities but a platform for pushing back against these abuses.

We urgently call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to:

• Immediately release all political prisoners who have been unjustly detained.
• End all forms of unlawful detention and torture, ensuring that all detainees receive due process and humane treatment.
• Ensure access to healthcare for all detainees, preventing any further threats to their physical well-being.

The crisis in Zimbabwe transcends national borders and poses a challenge to the entire region, continent, and global community. The intimidation tactics employed by Zimbabwean authorities are designed to silence dissent, and it is imperative that we use our platforms to amplify the plight of Zimbabweans. If the SADC Summit fails to address these issues, it risks endorsing the ongoing violations.

We call on democratic nations, international human rights organizations, and global citizens to join us in demanding justice and accountability for the political prisoners in Zimbabwe.

By signing this petition, you, as an individual, are taking a stand against injustice and demanding immediate action and global solidarity. Our collective voice can make a powerful difference. 

This petition is coordinated by WELEAD and SouthernDefenders.