A national protest meant to pressure Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign turned into a shutdown as citizens opted to stay away rather than take to the streets amid a heavy security presence.
Only a handful of protesters took part in the planned march, spearheaded by a group of disgruntled war veterans who have accused Mnangagwa of corruption and wanting to cling on to power, and they were dispersed by the police.
Following the reports of a low turnout, protest leader Blessed Geza urged Zimbabweans “not to be cowards” in a post on X.
Mnangagwa became president in 2017 following a coup against long-time leader Robert Mugabe and is currently serving his second and final term.
Geza, who wants Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to replace Mnangagwa, had previously called for Zimbabweans to “fill the streets” in a final push to force the president to step down.
Numerous videos were shared on social media throughout the day. In one, police can be seen using tear gas to disperse a crowd gathered at President Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.
In another, a woman details the police’s efforts to clamp down on what was regarded as a “peaceful protest” as she vowed “we’re not going anywhere, we’re going to stay here”.
“I am 63 and life is tough… I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to,” a protester on crutches also told local media house Citizens Voice Network.
“We want General [Constantine] Chiwenga to take over,” she added.
The vice-president has not commented publicly about the calls for him to replace Mnangagwa and government officials deny there is a rift between the two men.
Credit:bbc