In Zimbabwe, a new chapter of woes unfolds as tensions simmer over the presence of Chinese nationals, described by some locals as a “menace” treating Zimbabweans worse than a bad hair day in a cyclone. The situation is so intense that Zimbabweans find themselves in near comic, yet tragic, battles to defend their dignity, their rights, and yes, even their own backyard.

The echoes of colonialism from 1897 to 1980 still linger, but surprisingly, the old white colonialists, flawed as they were, at least left behind some infrastructure. The Chinese, by contrast, are accused of playing a very different game , stripping the land bare, sending resources home, and leaving Zimbabweans to work for peanuts  or possibly even smaller snacks.

Some critics argue the Chinese workforce includes individuals who might have just stepped off a prison bus, creating a bizarre image of former inmates sent abroad with hopes of behaving like model citizens a diplomatic experiment gone sideways. It’s like Zimbabwe’s Chikurubi prison got a sudden export license to China’s frontline projects!

The real puzzle? The Zimbabwean government appears to have handed over the playbook to this script without a fuss. Observers ask, Is it self-hate, corruption, or just a very unfortunate case of political naivety? While the Chinese are applauded for fiercely defending their national interests, local leaders are facing harsh criticism for allegedly prioritizing personal gain over protecting their people’s dignity.

The irony is thick,  colonial rulers, for all their faults, built roads and industries, while the current scenario sees wealth flowing out of Zimbabwe with little reinvestment. The call from the community is clear  , reclaim self-respect, or risk living in a never-ending episode of “The Exploitation Chronicles.”

As Zimbabweans watch this unfolding saga, the question remains,  what will it take for the government to step up and shield its citizens from this crude exploitation? Until then, the dance between diplomacy and dignity continues, with Zimbabwe caught in the middle.

• HOPEWELL CHIN’ONO