Police flooded Zimbabwe's capital and other major cities on Monday, effectively squashing war veterans' plans to protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's potential rule extension. Zanu-PF announced its intention back in January to push Mnangagwa's leadership beyond his current term until 2030. Mnangagwa originally seized power in 2017 after toppling his long-time mentor Robert Mugabe through a coup and currently serves his final constitutional term.
War veterans under Blessed Geza's leadership dramatically shifted allegiances after previously supporting Mnangagwa. They now vehemently argue that he schemes to cling desperately to political control. Anticipating potential unrest, businesses fortified their premises, and car dealerships emptied their showrooms. Most commercial establishments, educational institutions, and street vendors across Harare, Bulawayo, and other towns remained shuttered as police prowled empty streets.
Authorities declared the situation peaceful and encouraged citizens to proceed with normal activities. However, on Harare's western edges, police unleashed teargas against a small protester group chanting We reject 2030 a rallying cry challenging Mnangagwa's term extension plans. Political analysts suggested the economic shutdown could potentially send a powerful message to the leadership despite limited street demonstrations.
Veteran leader Geza primarily communicated through social media videos and remained publicly silent during Monday's events. War veterans continue wielding significant influence within Zanu-PF and appear to fill the political vacuum left by fractured opposition parties. Mnangagwa consistently denies intentions to prolong his presidency, yet veterans maintain he pursues extended leadership through calculated proxy strategies. Zimbabwe's 2013 constitution explicitly restricts presidential terms to two five-year periods.
War veterans under Blessed Geza's leadership dramatically shifted allegiances after previously supporting Mnangagwa. They now vehemently argue that he schemes to cling desperately to political control. Anticipating potential unrest, businesses fortified their premises, and car dealerships emptied their showrooms. Most commercial establishments, educational institutions, and street vendors across Harare, Bulawayo, and other towns remained shuttered as police prowled empty streets.
Authorities declared the situation peaceful and encouraged citizens to proceed with normal activities. However, on Harare's western edges, police unleashed teargas against a small protester group chanting We reject 2030 a rallying cry challenging Mnangagwa's term extension plans. Political analysts suggested the economic shutdown could potentially send a powerful message to the leadership despite limited street demonstrations.
Veteran leader Geza primarily communicated through social media videos and remained publicly silent during Monday's events. War veterans continue wielding significant influence within Zanu-PF and appear to fill the political vacuum left by fractured opposition parties. Mnangagwa consistently denies intentions to prolong his presidency, yet veterans maintain he pursues extended leadership through calculated proxy strategies. Zimbabwe's 2013 constitution explicitly restricts presidential terms to two five-year periods.
