Police in Zimbabwe have arrested 95 demonstrators on charges of promoting “public violence” and “breaches of peace” following protests demanding the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Authorities identified individuals through social media posts, a WhatsApp group, and at the protest scene in Harare.
Despite a heavy security presence, the protests were called by a veteran of the governing Zanu-PF party, Blessed Geza. He has spoken against efforts by a faction within the party to keep Mnangagwa in power beyond the end of his second term in 2028. Geza, who supports Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga as Mnangagwa’s successor, had previously urged Zimbabweans to take to the streets in a final push to force the president out.
The police have been frequently accused of using excessive force to suppress protests. Numerous videos shared online throughout the day depicted officers using tear gas to disperse a crowd gathered at President Robert Mugabe Square. One clip showed a woman insisting that demonstrators would not leave, while another featured a 63-year-old protester on crutches speaking about the dire economic situation and her support for Chiwenga.
The vice-president has not publicly addressed calls for him to replace Mnangagwa, while government officials deny reports of a rift between the two leaders. In response to the low turnout, a ruling party representative argued that social media did not reflect reality. However, some political analysts believe the empty streets and closed businesses were a significant political statement. Throughout multiple cities and towns, the majority of businesses remained shut, street vendors stayed away, and public transportation was scarce as residents avoided potential unrest.
Security measures were intensified, with roadblocks mounted at Harare’s entry points and police patrolling the city center on foot and in trucks. Officers were seen clearing stones and cement blocks left behind by protesters. The clergy has since called for calm, warning that instability could further weaken the country’s fragile situation.
At the heart of the recent protests is a reported plan for the president to extend his final term by two years to 2030. Mnangagwa’s second term is set to expire in three years, but some of his supporters have promoted the slogan “2030 he will still be the leader,” despite constitutional limits restricting presidents to two five-year terms. While Mnangagwa recently assured the public that he intends to step down in three years, skepticism remains high.
This situation has fueled frustration among figures like Geza, a veteran of the 1970s war of liberation and former senior Zanu-PF member. In a series of impassioned press conferences, he has repeatedly called for Mnangagwa to step down, warning of consequences if he refuses to do so.
