Zimbabwean police heavily deployed across the capital, Harare, and other cities on Monday to prevent protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to extend his rule.
Veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation war, once supporters of Mnangagwa, have now turned against him.
They accuse the president of attempting to stay in power beyond his constitutional term, which ends in 2023.
These veterans, led by Blessed Geza, called for mass demonstrations to reject Mnangagwa’s proposed two-year extension, which would keep him in office until 2030.
In anticipation of unrest, businesses in Harare, Bulawayo, and other cities closed, and many barricaded their premises.
Police patrolled deserted streets, urging citizens to carry on with their daily activities.
“The situation in the country is peaceful,” a police spokesperson said, dismissing any concerns of widespread disorder.
However, on the western outskirts of Harare, authorities used teargas to disperse a small group of protesters chanting, “We reject 2030!”
Although the protests were suppressed, political analysts suggested that the nationwide shutdown sent a powerful message to the government.
Ibbo Mandaza, a local analyst, remarked, “The stay-away is a massive statement by the masses of Zimbabwe.”
Geza, who has largely communicated through social media, remained silent on the situation, but the veterans’ influence within the ruling ZANU-PF party continues to grow.
Despite Mnangagwa’s denials, many believe he is using proxies to extend his presidency, a move that defies Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution.
