Blessed Geza is an old war veteran who goes by "Bombshell." He's been taking to social media in his military uniform, talking straight to his followers. He starts each message with a Maoist anthem from when the armed struggle was at its peak in the 1970s, and people are listening. He's become a symbol of resistance against Zimbabwe's authoritarian government, especially with the political opposition in shambles.
Geza called for protests on March 31st, telling President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. Even with a low turnout, the police were worried enough to come out in force. They arrested over 100 people just for showing up. Many businesses and offices closed for the day. Some say that was like a silent protest.
Not long before that, Mnangagwa fired the military chief and made him sports minister instead. One expert called it "coup-proofing." Geza says since he started speaking out, his house has been firebombed, and his wife has been harassed. But he's in hiding, and he's not about to quit. The former guerrilla, MP, and businessman is probably in his 80s, but he's still taking on Mnangagwa and what he calls his "corrupt cabal."
In a recent speech, Geza again said he's determined to "save Zimbabwe." He claimed the 82-year-old president isn't mentally fit to govern anymore. Even though Geza seems to represent a faction of the ruling Zanu-PF party that's caused many of the country's problems, his boldness appeals to many who desperately want change after decades of economic disaster.
As the director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, Pedzisai Ruhanya, told AFP, Geza has "struck a chord with the majority". He's got support from people across the political spectrum. That includes the "political orphans in the opposition" who've been left leaderless because their party's been torn apart. Ruhanya also said Geza's rise shows the "tensions within Zanu-PF are very high". It's not possible anymore to act like everything's fine.
Geza called for protests on March 31st, telling President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. Even with a low turnout, the police were worried enough to come out in force. They arrested over 100 people just for showing up. Many businesses and offices closed for the day. Some say that was like a silent protest.
Not long before that, Mnangagwa fired the military chief and made him sports minister instead. One expert called it "coup-proofing." Geza says since he started speaking out, his house has been firebombed, and his wife has been harassed. But he's in hiding, and he's not about to quit. The former guerrilla, MP, and businessman is probably in his 80s, but he's still taking on Mnangagwa and what he calls his "corrupt cabal."
In a recent speech, Geza again said he's determined to "save Zimbabwe." He claimed the 82-year-old president isn't mentally fit to govern anymore. Even though Geza seems to represent a faction of the ruling Zanu-PF party that's caused many of the country's problems, his boldness appeals to many who desperately want change after decades of economic disaster.
As the director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, Pedzisai Ruhanya, told AFP, Geza has "struck a chord with the majority". He's got support from people across the political spectrum. That includes the "political orphans in the opposition" who've been left leaderless because their party's been torn apart. Ruhanya also said Geza's rise shows the "tensions within Zanu-PF are very high". It's not possible anymore to act like everything's fine.
