Amidst escalating pressure for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign, Zimbabwe experienced a significant national shutdown, with citizens largely opting to remain at home rather than participate in protests, amidst a visible security crackdown.
Zimbabwe on Alert as Citizens Opt for Shutdown Over Protests
Zimbabwe on Alert as Citizens Opt for Shutdown Over Protests
As calls for protests against President Mnangagwa escalate, Zimbabwean citizens staged a general shutdown, avoiding the streets amidst a heavy police presence.
The planned protests, led by war veterans dissatisfied with Mnangagwa's governance, fizzled out as only a handful of demonstrators gathered, quickly dispersed by police. Activist Blessed Geza, who has been vocal about his dissent, encouraged fellow citizens to protest against government corruption, but faced limited participation. Despite his calls, ordinary Zimbabweans opted for safety, resulting in shuttered businesses, closed schools, and scarce public transportation across the major cities. The government has reportedly ramped up security measures to prevent significant unrest following escalating tensions surrounding a proposal that could extend Mnangagwa's term in office.
The police presence intensified, with roadblocks set up and patrols conducted throughout Harare, leading to heightened fears of disorder. As unrest loomed, religious leaders urged restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid destabilizing a country already grappling with numerous challenges. The political landscape in Zimbabwe remains precarious, as dissenting voices grow louder in the face of potential changes to presidential term limits.
The situation highlights a deepening rift within the country, as many Zimbabweans continue to express dissatisfaction with their leadership amidst calls for change.
Across various cities and towns, the majority of businesses were shuttered and streets were left emptied of the usual bustle of street vendors and choking traffic. Schools closed and public transport was scarce as fearful residents opted to steer clear of the chaos. The police tightened security, mounting roadblocks into Harare and carrying out patrols on foot and trucks in the city centre throughout the day. They were also seen removing the stones, and cement blocks thrown by protesters.
The country's clergy has since called for cool heads, as it warned that unrest could destabilise an already fragile country. A petrol station attendant told the BBC in a hushed voice that ordinary people didn't want the country to slide into civil war. At the heart of the recent protest is a reported plan by the president to extend his final term by two years to 2030. Mnangagwa's second term expires in 2028. The slogan "2030 he will still be the leader" has been shared by his supporters even though Zimbabwe's constitution limits presidential terms to two five-year terms.
Despite a recent assurance from the president that he did intend to step down in three years, many remain unconvinced. This has angered Geza, a veteran of the 1970s war of liberation and former senior Zanu-PF member, who has led a verbal attack on Mnangagwa. In a series of often expletive-laden press conferences, gritty-voiced and with a furrowed forehead, he repeatedly called on the 82-year-old president to go or face being removed.
The police presence intensified, with roadblocks set up and patrols conducted throughout Harare, leading to heightened fears of disorder. As unrest loomed, religious leaders urged restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid destabilizing a country already grappling with numerous challenges. The political landscape in Zimbabwe remains precarious, as dissenting voices grow louder in the face of potential changes to presidential term limits.
The situation highlights a deepening rift within the country, as many Zimbabweans continue to express dissatisfaction with their leadership amidst calls for change.
Across various cities and towns, the majority of businesses were shuttered and streets were left emptied of the usual bustle of street vendors and choking traffic. Schools closed and public transport was scarce as fearful residents opted to steer clear of the chaos. The police tightened security, mounting roadblocks into Harare and carrying out patrols on foot and trucks in the city centre throughout the day. They were also seen removing the stones, and cement blocks thrown by protesters.
The country's clergy has since called for cool heads, as it warned that unrest could destabilise an already fragile country. A petrol station attendant told the BBC in a hushed voice that ordinary people didn't want the country to slide into civil war. At the heart of the recent protest is a reported plan by the president to extend his final term by two years to 2030. Mnangagwa's second term expires in 2028. The slogan "2030 he will still be the leader" has been shared by his supporters even though Zimbabwe's constitution limits presidential terms to two five-year terms.
Despite a recent assurance from the president that he did intend to step down in three years, many remain unconvinced. This has angered Geza, a veteran of the 1970s war of liberation and former senior Zanu-PF member, who has led a verbal attack on Mnangagwa. In a series of often expletive-laden press conferences, gritty-voiced and with a furrowed forehead, he repeatedly called on the 82-year-old president to go or face being removed.
