People across Zimbabwe stayed home instead of joining street protests against President Mnangagwa on Monday. The planned march became a nationwide shutdown as citizens feared the large numbers of police and soldiers. Most businesses closed their doors, streets emptied, schools canceled classes, and public transportation disappeared from many areas. Fear kept many Zimbabweans inside as police set up roadblocks at city entrances.
Police officers patrolled Harare city center all day long and quickly broke up the few small groups that tried to demonstrate. They fired tear gas at people gathered near Robert Mugabe Square, according to videos shared online. Officers also removed stones and cement blocks thrown during brief clashes with protesters. The heavy security presence made the capital city look like a ghost town compared to its normal, busy state.
Blessed Geza, the protest leader, seemed frustrated by the low turnout. He posted on X, telling Zimbabweans not to act like cowards. Geza previously asked everyone to "fill the streets" and force Mnangagwa to step down. This former liberation war fighter and ex-member of the ruling party wants Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to take over leadership. He has attacked the 82-year-old President with harsh words during several angry press conferences.
A 63-year-old woman who joined the small protest told local media life had become very difficult. "I take care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to," she explained, standing on crutches. She directly stated her support for Vice-President Chiwenga replacing the current leader. The Vice-President has stayed silent about these calls for him to take power. Government officials insist no problems exist between the two leaders.
The protests center around fears that Mnangagwa plans to extend his presidency beyond its legal end date. His supporters often repeat the phrase "2030 he will still be the leader" despite constitutional limits of two five-year terms. Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after helping remove longtime ruler Robert Mugabe. He claims he will step down when his term ends in 2028, but many citizens doubt his word. The president starts his morning meetings by telling supporters he wants to leave office on schedule.
One political scientist, Ibbo Mandaza, called the shutdown "a massive political statement" against the government. However, Farai Murapira from the ruling Zanu-PF party dismissed this view, claiming social media posts don't show real life. A gas station worker whispered to reporters that regular citizens simply want peace rather than civil war. Religious leaders asked everyone to remain calm to protect the already struggling country from more problems.
Police officers patrolled Harare city center all day long and quickly broke up the few small groups that tried to demonstrate. They fired tear gas at people gathered near Robert Mugabe Square, according to videos shared online. Officers also removed stones and cement blocks thrown during brief clashes with protesters. The heavy security presence made the capital city look like a ghost town compared to its normal, busy state.
Blessed Geza, the protest leader, seemed frustrated by the low turnout. He posted on X, telling Zimbabweans not to act like cowards. Geza previously asked everyone to "fill the streets" and force Mnangagwa to step down. This former liberation war fighter and ex-member of the ruling party wants Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to take over leadership. He has attacked the 82-year-old President with harsh words during several angry press conferences.
A 63-year-old woman who joined the small protest told local media life had become very difficult. "I take care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to," she explained, standing on crutches. She directly stated her support for Vice-President Chiwenga replacing the current leader. The Vice-President has stayed silent about these calls for him to take power. Government officials insist no problems exist between the two leaders.
The protests center around fears that Mnangagwa plans to extend his presidency beyond its legal end date. His supporters often repeat the phrase "2030 he will still be the leader" despite constitutional limits of two five-year terms. Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after helping remove longtime ruler Robert Mugabe. He claims he will step down when his term ends in 2028, but many citizens doubt his word. The president starts his morning meetings by telling supporters he wants to leave office on schedule.
One political scientist, Ibbo Mandaza, called the shutdown "a massive political statement" against the government. However, Farai Murapira from the ruling Zanu-PF party dismissed this view, claiming social media posts don't show real life. A gas station worker whispered to reporters that regular citizens simply want peace rather than civil war. Religious leaders asked everyone to remain calm to protect the already struggling country from more problems.
