Zimbabwe's Protest Turnout Fizzles Amid Heavy Security

Zimbabweans experienced a national shutdown rather than a protest aimed at ousting President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid a heightened police presence.

A planned nationwide protest led by disaffected war veterans, aimed at compelling President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down, transitioned into a significant shutdown across Zimbabwe. Instead of flooding the streets, most citizens opted to stay home, reflecting fears of the country's security forces as the police dispersed the few gathered demonstrators.

Blessed Geza, the protest leader, criticized Zimbabweans for their reticence on social media, urging them not to be “cowards.” Geza, advocating for Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to take over leadership, previously called for an overwhelming turnout to create pressure for Mnangagwa's resignation. Videos shared online captured police employing tear gas to disrupt a small assembly at Harare’s President Robert Mugabe Square, emphasizing the tense atmosphere.

One protester, who struggled with mobility and expressed concern for her grandchildren, reiterated her dissatisfaction with the current leadership, underscoring the severe economic hardships faced by many families. The vice-president has not publicly acknowledged the calls for his ascendancy, while government representatives deny any discord between him and Mnangagwa.

Despite disparaging assertions from the ruling Zanu-PF party regarding the low turnout, political analysts have described the situation as a crucial political statement. Across the nation, businesses were largely closed, and schools suspended activities, as citizens prioritized their safety over participation in protests. Police enforced strict security measures throughout the day, establishing checkpoints into the capital and pursuing efforts to remove barricades left by protesters.

Religious leaders have urged caution, warning of potential unrest in a nation already grappling with deep-rooted instability. In a climate fraught with uncertainty, ordinary Zimbabweans express a collective apprehension regarding the potential descent into civil chaos. Central to the protests is a looming speculation that Mnangagwa aims to extend his term until 2030, despite constitutional limits on presidential tenures. Despite the president’s recent reassurances about sticking to his timeline, skepticism among the populace persists, intensifying criticism from Geza and other dissenters who are adamant that Mnangagwa must either resign or face forceful removal.