Zimbabwe Faces National Shutdown Amid Protest Calls

A national protest in Zimbabwe demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation turns into a widespread shutdown as citizens choose to avoid the streets amid a strong security force. Despite low turnout and police suppression, activists continue to rally for change, voicing their discontent and calling for a new leader.

Zimbabwe experienced a significant national shutdown as a planned protest aimed at pressuring President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign saw minimal participation from citizens. Authorities had issued stern warnings against demonstrations, leading many to stay indoors rather than confront a heavy police presence that patrolled the streets, set up roadblocks, and even employed tear gas to disperse the few protesters who gathered.

The protest, organized by a faction of disgruntled war veterans, aimed to challenge Mnangagwa, who has faced criticism for corruption and a perceived grip on power since ascending to presidency in 2017 following a coup against long-serving leader Robert Mugabe. Despite the low turnout, protest leader Blessed Geza called upon the populace to overcome their fears, insisting that the struggle for justice must continue.

Footage shared on social media depicted skirmishes between police and the handful of demonstrators who dared to assemble at President Robert Mugabe Square in Harare, including a woman determined to persist despite the risks. "I am 63 and life is tough…I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to," she expressed, advocating for the Vice President Constantine Chiwenga to succeed Mnangagwa.

Geza, who has emerged as a vocal critic, has been rallying supporters to fill the city streets, considering this a make-or-break moment in the campaign against Mnangagwa’s rule. However, government representatives dismissed the notion that the protests reflected a broader sentiment, while political analysts argued that the widespread shutdown served as a substantial political statement.

As citizens retreated amidst fears of escalating unrest, daily life slowed dramatically; businesses closed, public transport became scarce, and schools interrupted classes. Many expressed concerns that escalating tensions could lead to civil unrest. The clergy has urged calm, warning against actions that could exacerbate the country’s fragile situation.

At the core of the discontent is a controversial proposal by Mnangagwa to extend his presidency beyond the current constitutional limits, sparking fury in the public sphere. Although the President has reassured that he plans to step down in 2028, skepticism remains rife among the populace regarding his intentions. With the political landscape growing increasingly polarized, the path forward appears fraught with tension and uncertainty.