Zimbabwean police have arrested 95 demonstrators on charges of inciting public violence and disturbing the peace following Monday’s protests in Harare, where citizens called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
Authorities say the arrests were made after individuals were identified through social media posts, WhatsApp groups, and at the protest sites in the capital. The demonstrations, however, saw low turnout, as many citizens opted to stay home amid a heavy security presence.
The protests were led by Blessed Geza, a former senior Zanu-PF member, who has been vocal about a faction within the ruling party attempting to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond 2028. Geza, a veteran of the country’s liberation war, has publicly advocated for Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to take over leadership.
Despite the low turnout, videos shared online showed police using tear gas to disperse the crowd at President Robert Mugabe Square, while protesters accused authorities of violently suppressing a peaceful demonstration.
One protester, a 63-year-old woman, expressed frustration over the state of the country, saying, “Life is tough… I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to.”
While Vice-President Chiwenga has not publicly responded to calls for him to replace Mnangagwa, government officials insist there is no internal conflict within the ruling party.
Zanu-PF representative Farai Murapira dismissed the protest’s impact, stating that social media does not reflect reality. However, political analyst Ibbo Mandaza argued that the citywide shutdown of businesses, schools, and transport services sent a powerful political message.
Security forces were deployed throughout the city, setting up roadblocks, patrolling on foot and in trucks, and clearing debris left by protesters. Religious leaders have urged for calm, warning that continued unrest could further destabilize the fragile nation.
At the center of the tensions is a controversial plan allegedly backed by Mnangagwa’s supporters to extend his final term by two years to 2030, despite constitutional limits. Although the president has publicly stated he will step down at the end of his term, many remain skeptical.
Geza, in a series of fiery press conferences, has repeatedly called for Mnangagwa’s removal, making it clear that resistance to an extended presidency will continue.
Leave a comment