Police from Zimbabwe are called in to stop protests against Mnangagwa

Veterans called for large-scale protests over plans to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s power, but police aggressively deployed in Zimbabwe’s capital and other cities on Monday, largely overriding the appeal.

Mnangagwa’s term in office would be extended by two years, until 2030, according to a January statement from Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party. Serving his final term, Mnangagwa initially took office in 2017 following the overthrow of his longtime mentor, Robert Mugabe, in a coup.

Former supporters of Mnangagwa, the Independence War veterans led by Blessed Geza have now turned against him, accusing him of trying to hold onto power.

Car dealerships emptied their showrooms and businesses barricaded their locations in anticipation of potential turmoil in recent days.

The majority of shops, schools, and vendors in the capital Harare, Bulawayo, the second-largest city, and other towns remained shuttered while cops walked the deserted streets.

According to a police statement, “the situation in the country is peaceful,” and citizens were urged to carry on with their regular routines.

A small number of demonstrators screaming “we reject 2030!” in allusion to the intentions to extend Mnangagwa’s term were dispersed by police using tear gas on the western suburbs of Harare.

The economic shutdown may nevertheless convey a message to political leaders, according to some political analysts.

“The Zimbabwean populace’s overwhelming statement is the stay-away. “There is cause for concern among those in authority,” political analyst Ibbo Mandaza stated.

On Monday morning, Geza, the seasoned leader who initiated the demonstration and has primarily used social media videos to convey his message, did not publicly respond.

The veterans are still powerful in ZANU-PF and seem to be stepping in to cover for opposition parties that have been undermined by internal strife and a losing battle with the ruling party.

Despite Mnangagwa’s repeated denials, the veterans accuse him of deploying proxies to carry out his plan to extend his presidency.

According to Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution, presidents can only serve two five-year terms.