Zimbabwe’s Job Sikhala, a prominent opposition figure, was released this week after nearly two years in solitary confinement on politically motivated charges.
The 51-year-old, reflecting on his incarceration, revealed the erosion of everything about him during that period.
Sikhala, known for his outspoken criticism of the government, faces uncertainty about his political future, contemplating whether he can sustain enthusiasm.
Arrested in June 2022 for a speech, he was convicted this month of inciting supporters, denying the charges.
Conditions in the maximum security prison were harsh, with Sikhala describing a small cell, sleeping on the floor, and being in chains.
Despite a long history of over 60 arrests, this case prevented Sikhala from running for re-election last August.
His party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), lost in disputed elections, and it currently faces internal challenges.
Sikhala, a lawyer, expressed a loss of faith in the legal system, citing mistreatment by the judiciary.
Despite challenges, he remains a popular figure, and his release was met with celebration by supporters.
The political landscape in Zimbabwe appears tumultuous, with the opposition grappling with internal issues amid allegations of fraudulent elections.
