Zimbabwe war veteran Blessed Geza came back after hiding for about a month. He posted a video on social media asking people to join protests planned for March 31. Geza said he does not fear any charges against him. He called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to quit because he failed to fix the bad economy and let corruption grow.
Geza announced in his video that he remains healthy and safe. He claimed that Mnangagwa knows his location but is afraid to get him. The 82-year-old former fighter wore military clothes in the video, making many think he might be staying at an army base. His exact location remains unknown.
The ruling ZANU-PF party kicked Geza out for what they called bad behavior and acts of treason. He first spoke against Mnangagwa during an interview with reporter Blessed Mhlanga. That reporter has been locked up for almost a month after officials said he published information that could stir up trouble.
Geza demanded they free the jailed reporter right away. He said arresting journalists goes against what people fought for during the freedom struggle. He warned judges not to help Mnangagwa silence the people. Geza mixed English and Shona language when he talked.
Zimbabwe information minister Jenfan Muswere told citizens to ignore Geza's crazy talk. Muswere said Geza just wants to cause problems within ZANU-PF and across the country. He warned that no violent protests would happen and called Geza a criminal running from justice.
Muswere described Geza as someone trying to create divisions. He said police stood ready to handle anyone causing trouble. The main opposition group, Citizens Coalition for Change, gave careful support to Geza. Their spokesman, Promise Mkwananzi, said they welcome his help but reminded everyone that their struggle against Mnangagwa has been going on for years.
Geza wants Mnangagwa to step down immediately. He thinks Vice President Constantino Chiwenga should take over instead. Chiwenga, a former military leader, helped push Robert Mugabe to resign in 2017. During that time, opposition groups and ZANU-PF joined forces against Mugabe.
Political expert Elton Ziki believes the current situation feels different from 2017. He questions who would lead after such protests and what direction the country might take. Lloyd Dumba from the Movement for Democratic Change said his party wants real change, not just replacing one ZANU-PF leader with another.
Geza announced in his video that he remains healthy and safe. He claimed that Mnangagwa knows his location but is afraid to get him. The 82-year-old former fighter wore military clothes in the video, making many think he might be staying at an army base. His exact location remains unknown.
The ruling ZANU-PF party kicked Geza out for what they called bad behavior and acts of treason. He first spoke against Mnangagwa during an interview with reporter Blessed Mhlanga. That reporter has been locked up for almost a month after officials said he published information that could stir up trouble.
Geza demanded they free the jailed reporter right away. He said arresting journalists goes against what people fought for during the freedom struggle. He warned judges not to help Mnangagwa silence the people. Geza mixed English and Shona language when he talked.
Zimbabwe information minister Jenfan Muswere told citizens to ignore Geza's crazy talk. Muswere said Geza just wants to cause problems within ZANU-PF and across the country. He warned that no violent protests would happen and called Geza a criminal running from justice.
Muswere described Geza as someone trying to create divisions. He said police stood ready to handle anyone causing trouble. The main opposition group, Citizens Coalition for Change, gave careful support to Geza. Their spokesman, Promise Mkwananzi, said they welcome his help but reminded everyone that their struggle against Mnangagwa has been going on for years.
Geza wants Mnangagwa to step down immediately. He thinks Vice President Constantino Chiwenga should take over instead. Chiwenga, a former military leader, helped push Robert Mugabe to resign in 2017. During that time, opposition groups and ZANU-PF joined forces against Mugabe.
Political expert Elton Ziki believes the current situation feels different from 2017. He questions who would lead after such protests and what direction the country might take. Lloyd Dumba from the Movement for Democratic Change said his party wants real change, not just replacing one ZANU-PF leader with another.
