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Zimbabwe Police Arrest Demonstrators Demanding President Mnangagwa’s Resignation
Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean law enforcement officials have confirmed the apprehension of 95 protestors following Monday’s demonstrations in Harare. The arrests were made on charges related to inciting public violence and breaches of peace. The demonstrators were calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down from his position.
Protest Organizers Identified via Social Media
According to police reports, authorities identified individuals involved in the demonstrations through social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups, and on-site observation in the capital city. Despite calls for mass action, the turnout for the protests remained minimal as many citizens chose to stay home amidst a prominent security presence throughout Harare.
Veteran Politician Behind Protest
The demonstrations were initiated by Blessed Geza, a long-serving member of the ruling Zanu-PF party. Geza has become a vocal critic of factions within Zanu-PF allegedly seeking to extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond his constitutionally mandated second term in 2028.
Succession Calls Emerge
Geza advocates for Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to succeed Mnangagwa and had previously urged Zimbabweans to participate in widespread street protests to pressure the president into resigning.
Police Accused of Forceful Protest Dispersal
Zimbabwean police have frequently faced accusations of employing heavy-handed tactics to suppress demonstrations. Numerous videos circulating on social media from Monday appeared to show police deploying tear gas to disperse protestors gathered at Harare’s Robert Mugabe Square.
Eyewitness Accounts of Police Action
In one video, a woman described police efforts to suppress what she maintained was intended to be a “peaceful protest,” asserting the protestors’ resolve to remain despite the clampdown. Another protestor, describing herself as a 63-year-old caregiver for grandchildren due to economic hardship, voiced support for Vice-President Chiwenga taking over leadership, speaking to local media outlet Citizens Voice Network.
Government Downplays Protest Turnout
While images from Harare indicated a low turnout, government and Zanu-PF party representatives have sought to minimize the significance of the demonstrations.
Ruling Party Official Dismisses Social Media Influence
Farai Murapira, representing Zanu-PF, suggested that social media portrayals did not accurately reflect the reality on the ground. However, political analyst Ibbo Mandaza contested this view, arguing that the low physical turnout should not be interpreted as a failure.
Analyst: “Shutdown a Political Statement”
Mandaza asserted that the widespread closure of businesses and the absence of typical bustling street activity across Zimbabwean cities and towns constituted a significant “political statement.” Schools were closed, and public transportation was limited as residents avoided potential unrest. Security measures were heightened, with police establishing roadblocks and conducting patrols throughout Harare.
Clergy Calls for Calm Amid Fragile Situation
As political tensions rise, religious leaders in Zimbabwe have appealed for calm and restraint, cautioning that further unrest could destabilize the already vulnerable nation. An employee at a petrol station, speaking to the BBC, conveyed the widespread desire among ordinary citizens to prevent the country from descending into civil conflict.
Term Extension Controversy Fuels Protests
Underlying the recent protests is speculation regarding a potential plan by President Mnangagwa to extend his presidential term by two years, until 2030. Despite President Mnangagwa’s recent reassurances of his intention to step down at the end of his current term, skepticism persists.
Veteran Politician Leads Verbal Opposition
This lingering uncertainty has fueled discontent, particularly among figures like Blessed Geza, a former liberation war veteran and ex-Zanu-PF senior member. Geza has been fiercely critical of President Mnangagwa, using public appearances to demand his resignation.
Expletive-Laden Calls for President to Step Down
In a series of press conferences, Geza has repeatedly and forcefully called for the 82-year-old president to relinquish power, threatening removal if he refuses to do so.
Further Zimbabwe Coverage
For comprehensive news and analysis from Zimbabwe and across the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com.