By Sarah Baafi
Zimbabwe experienced a nationwide shutdown on Monday as calls for mass protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership failed to gain traction. The demonstrations, led by war veteran Blessed Geza, aimed to challenge Mnangagwa’s alleged plans to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits. However, heavy police deployment across major cities deterred large-scale participation.
Only small groups of protesters gathered in Harare and other cities, chanting slogans like “We reject 2030,” referencing ZANU-PF’s proposal to extend Mnangagwa’s term until 2030. Police used teargas to disperse demonstrators at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare. A protester in crutches told local media, “Life is tough…I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to.” She also expressed support for General Constantine Chiwenga to take over leadership.
Most businesses, schools, and vendors shut down nationwide as citizens opted for a “stay-away” amid fears of violence. This economic standstill served as a powerful statement of dissent, despite the lack of widespread street protests. Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza described the shutdown as a significant form of resistance.
Blessed Geza, once a ZANU-PF insider, accused Mnangagwa of corruption and clinging to power. The war veterans, who were instrumental in Mnangagwa’s rise to power in 2017 after Robert Mugabe’s ouster, have now become his fiercest critics. Geza urged citizens “not to be cowards” on social media but faced challenges mobilizing widespread support.
The protests highlight growing fractures within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite. Critics argue Mnangagwa is using proxies to push his agenda while denying plans for term extension. The rift between Mnangagwa and war veterans signals mounting internal pressure within ZANU-PF.
Despite the government’s claims that the situation remains peaceful, the shutdown underscores rising public frustration with economic hardships and governance issues under Mnangagwa’s administration.
Source: BBC
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