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In a powerful display of solidarity, the All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) and the Southern African Students’ Union (SASU) have united to demand the protection of student rights in Eswatini and Zimbabwe. The organizations are calling for the immediate reinstatement of suspended student leaders at Midlands State University (MSU) in Zimbabwe and an end to the repression of student activists in both countries.

In a letter addressed to the President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Cde Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, AASU President H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi E. expressed deep dissatisfaction with the suspension of student leaders at MSU. “We stand in solidarity with the students of Midlands State University; the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) and the subregional student body – Southern Africa Students’ Union (SASU) in their struggle for justice, equality, and academic freedom,” Osikenyi wrote. He urged President Mnangagwa to swiftly direct the immediate reinstatement of our Comrades within three days in line with the spirit of the New Zimbabwe.

The letter also highlighted the broader implications of the suspensions, warning against the continued victimization of student leaders who were exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly. “We trust that you will swiftly direct the immediate reinstatement of our Comrades within 3 days in line with the spirit of the New Zimbabwe that seeks to eschew fanning the ambers of Student Rights Abuse that incur the wrath of the already angry continental student movement,” Osikenyi added.

Meanwhile, SASU issued an official statement condemning the escalating repression of student activists in Eswatini and Zimbabwe. “The Southern African Students Union (SASU) strongly condemns the escalating repression of student activists in Eswatini and Zimbabwe, where student leaders are being harassed, suspended, arrested, and denied their basic rights for demanding democracy, education, and justice,” the statement read.

The statement detailed the plight of student leaders in both countries, including the case of Comrades Bongeka ‘Mavundla’ Bhembe and Bong’nkhosi ‘Bongo’ Nkhambule in Eswatini, who have been summoned to appear at the Mbabane High Court after months without trial for participating in a peaceful march. “Their crime? Advocating for the right to education. This is a continuation of the systematic crackdown on students, workers, and activists who demand democracy and inclusivity,” SASU noted.

In Zimbabwe, the statement highlighted the unjust suspension of five ZINASU leaders at MSU for merely wearing ZINASU t-shirts and recruiting members. “This comes amid a broader state-led infiltration of student unions, trade unions, and opposition parties, aimed at silencing all forms of dissent,” SASU stated.

The organization called for the immediate reinstatement of all suspended ZINASU student leaders at MSU and an end to politically motivated charges against student activists in both countries.

SASU’s statement also emphasized the broader trend of repression in the region, where authoritarian regimes use educational institutions as battlegrounds to suppress youth activism. “From police brutality and wrongful suspensions to judicial persecution and rigged elections, governments are systematically dismantling independent student movements—the last remaining defenders of democracy,” the statement warned.

The organizations have issued a call to action, urging students, trade unions, civil society organizations, and religious institutions to mobilize in solidarity with the affected student leaders. They also called on the international community to pressure the Eswatini and Zimbabwean governments to respect democracy and human rights.

“The right to association and academic freedom are fundamental principles that support the functioning of educational institutions which also promotes intellectual growth,” SASU concluded.

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