On Monday, Zimbabwe came to a halt as a nationwide shutdown unfolded. Calls for mass protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa fell flat, with minimal public participation. War veteran Blessed Geza's attempt to challenge the president's alleged plans for term extension met significant resistance. Heavy police presence across major cities effectively crushed potential demonstrations.
Tiny groups of protesters managed to gather in Harare and other urban centers, shouting slogans challenging ZANU-PF's proposal to keep Mnangagwa in power until 2030. Police quickly dispersed crowds using tear gas at Robert Mugabe Square. One protester using crutches shared her struggle, highlighting the economic strain families face. She expressed support for General Constantine Chiwenga as a potential alternative leader.
Businesses, schools, and street vendors nationwide chose to close down, creating a powerful economic statement of dissent. Citizens largely stayed home out of fear and frustration. Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza characterized the shutdown as a meaningful form of resistance against the current administration. The economic standstill spoke volumes where street protests could not.
Blessed Geza, a former ZANU-PF insider, launched sharp criticism against Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption and desperately clinging to power. The war veterans who once championed Mnangagwa's rise after Robert Mugabe's removal have transformed into his most vocal critics. Despite social media calls urging citizens to take action, Geza struggled to mobilize widespread support.
The events revealed deep fractures within Zimbabwe's ruling elite. Government critics argue that Mnangagwa manipulates political proxies to advance his agenda while denying plans for extended leadership. The growing rift between Mnangagwa and war veterans signals increasing internal pressure within the ruling party. Despite official claims of peaceful conditions, the shutdown underscored mounting public frustration with economic challenges and governance problems.
Tiny groups of protesters managed to gather in Harare and other urban centers, shouting slogans challenging ZANU-PF's proposal to keep Mnangagwa in power until 2030. Police quickly dispersed crowds using tear gas at Robert Mugabe Square. One protester using crutches shared her struggle, highlighting the economic strain families face. She expressed support for General Constantine Chiwenga as a potential alternative leader.
Businesses, schools, and street vendors nationwide chose to close down, creating a powerful economic statement of dissent. Citizens largely stayed home out of fear and frustration. Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza characterized the shutdown as a meaningful form of resistance against the current administration. The economic standstill spoke volumes where street protests could not.
Blessed Geza, a former ZANU-PF insider, launched sharp criticism against Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption and desperately clinging to power. The war veterans who once championed Mnangagwa's rise after Robert Mugabe's removal have transformed into his most vocal critics. Despite social media calls urging citizens to take action, Geza struggled to mobilize widespread support.
The events revealed deep fractures within Zimbabwe's ruling elite. Government critics argue that Mnangagwa manipulates political proxies to advance his agenda while denying plans for extended leadership. The growing rift between Mnangagwa and war veterans signals increasing internal pressure within the ruling party. Despite official claims of peaceful conditions, the shutdown underscored mounting public frustration with economic challenges and governance problems.
