Police arrested 95 people in Zimbabwe who joined protests asking President Emmerson Mnangagwa to leave office. These people face charges of causing "public violence" and breaking peace. Police found them through social media posts, WhatsApp groups, and at protest spots in Harare. Few citizens actually showed up because many stayed home rather than face the heavy security forces on the streets.
Blessed Geza, who used to belong to the ruling Zanu-PF party, planned these protests. He speaks out against certain party members who want Mnangagwa to stay president after his term ends in 2028. Geza believes Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga should take over next and has asked people to pack the streets to make the president step down. Zimbabwe police have a history of breaking up protests with violence.
Many videos appeared on social media throughout Monday. One showed police shooting tear gas at people gathered at President Robert Mugabe Square. Another video had a woman talking about police trying to stop what she described as a peaceful protest, saying protesters planned to stay. A 63-year-old walking with crutches told local news that life had become hard - she takes care of grandchildren because her children cannot afford it. She stated that she wanted General Chiwenga to become president.
The vice-president has said nothing publicly about these calls for him to replace Mnangagwa. Government officials say no problems exist between these two men. When asked why few people attended, Farai Murapira from Zanu-PF claimed social media does not match reality. Political expert Ibbo Mandaza disagreed, calling the empty streets "a massive political statement." Most businesses closed across cities and towns, streets went quiet without vendors or traffic, schools shut down, and buses became hard to find as scared citizens avoided possible trouble.
Police added security measures everywhere, creating roadblocks into Harare and walking or driving through downtown all day. They cleared away stones and cement blocks thrown by protesters. Church leaders asked everyone to stay calm, warning that fighting could hurt an already struggling country. A gas station worker whispered to BBC reporters that regular citizens did not want Zimbabwe to start a civil war.
The recent protests started because people heard the president might try to extend his final term until 2030. According to the law, Mnangagwa must leave office three years from today. His supporters often say, "2030, he will still be the leader," even though the constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. Many people doubt his sincerity despite his recent promise to step down when required.
This angers Geza, who fought in the 1970s freedom war and once held important positions in Zanu-PF. He attacks the 82-year-old president verbally through press conferences. Speaking with a rough voice and serious face, he repeatedly demands that Mnangagwa resign or face removal from power. His speeches often contain strong language when making these demands.
Blessed Geza, who used to belong to the ruling Zanu-PF party, planned these protests. He speaks out against certain party members who want Mnangagwa to stay president after his term ends in 2028. Geza believes Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga should take over next and has asked people to pack the streets to make the president step down. Zimbabwe police have a history of breaking up protests with violence.
Many videos appeared on social media throughout Monday. One showed police shooting tear gas at people gathered at President Robert Mugabe Square. Another video had a woman talking about police trying to stop what she described as a peaceful protest, saying protesters planned to stay. A 63-year-old walking with crutches told local news that life had become hard - she takes care of grandchildren because her children cannot afford it. She stated that she wanted General Chiwenga to become president.
The vice-president has said nothing publicly about these calls for him to replace Mnangagwa. Government officials say no problems exist between these two men. When asked why few people attended, Farai Murapira from Zanu-PF claimed social media does not match reality. Political expert Ibbo Mandaza disagreed, calling the empty streets "a massive political statement." Most businesses closed across cities and towns, streets went quiet without vendors or traffic, schools shut down, and buses became hard to find as scared citizens avoided possible trouble.
Police added security measures everywhere, creating roadblocks into Harare and walking or driving through downtown all day. They cleared away stones and cement blocks thrown by protesters. Church leaders asked everyone to stay calm, warning that fighting could hurt an already struggling country. A gas station worker whispered to BBC reporters that regular citizens did not want Zimbabwe to start a civil war.
The recent protests started because people heard the president might try to extend his final term until 2030. According to the law, Mnangagwa must leave office three years from today. His supporters often say, "2030, he will still be the leader," even though the constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. Many people doubt his sincerity despite his recent promise to step down when required.
This angers Geza, who fought in the 1970s freedom war and once held important positions in Zanu-PF. He attacks the 82-year-old president verbally through press conferences. Speaking with a rough voice and serious face, he repeatedly demands that Mnangagwa resign or face removal from power. His speeches often contain strong language when making these demands.
