Zimbabwean police flooded the streets of Harare and other cities on Monday, thwarting planned mass protests against a proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule.
Veterans of the country’s independence war, led by Blessed Geza, had called for demonstrations against the ruling ZANU-PF party’s proposal to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency by two years, until 2030. Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017 after Robert Mugabe was ousted in a coup, is serving what is constitutionally his final term.
Businesses Shut Down as Tensions Rise
Anticipating unrest, businesses across Harare, Bulawayo, and other towns remained closed. Car dealerships cleared their showrooms, and vendors stayed off the streets. The heavy police presence ensured that most protests failed to materialize.
Authorities maintained that the country remained calm.
“The situation in the country is peaceful,” police said in a statement, urging citizens to resume daily activities.
However, in western Harare, a small group of demonstrators chanting “We reject 2030!” was dispersed by teargas.
Opposition Struggles, Veterans Step In
Some analysts suggested that the near-total shutdown of businesses still sent a strong message.
“The stay-away is a massive statement by the masses of Zimbabwe. Those in power have reason to fear,” said political analyst Ibbo Mandaza.
Blessed Geza, who has primarily communicated through social media videos, did not make any public statements on Monday morning.
The veterans, long seen as a key ZANU-PF support base, now appear to be stepping into the political vacuum left by an opposition weakened by infighting and pressure from the ruling party.
Mnangagwa has denied seeking to extend his presidency, but veterans accuse him of advancing the plan through proxies.
Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.
