Harare – Zimbabwe protesters fought running battles with police who fired teargas and water canons as people call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
The protests which were called by a war veteran Blessed Geza for March 31 to push Mnangagwa’s resignation started slow in the morning with most towns and cities deserted as people stayed at home.
However, towards midday, scores of protesters gathered at Freedom Square near the Harare Magistrate courts as they chanted slogans denouncing Mnangagwa.
Police moved in swiftly and dispersed the protesters but within an hour dozens of protesters had gathered at corner Rotten Row and Robert Mugabe roads, singing and blocking the road with stones.
The police started firing teargas and used water canons trucks to fire at protesters who hurled stones against the law enforcement agents.
A number of protesters were arrested.
Internet speed was slow on Monday, while there were a few public transport operators on the roads. Most central business district shops and offices were shut down.
Geza called the protests on Monday accusing Mnangagwa of running down the country, fueling corruption and nepotism.
Geza named at least 35 people whom he accused of high level corruption and theft who include Mnangagwa’s wife Auxillia, Wicknell Chivhayo, Kuda Tagwirei, John Mangudya, George Guvamatanga and Obey Chimuka among others.
Geza who was fired from the ruling ZANU PF’s Central Committee recently is in hiding after police issued a statement that they wanted to charge him for undermining Mnangagwa and inciting violence.
Mnangagwa’s supporters have been calling for him to extend his rule from 2028 when his tenure ends to 2030.
His opponents are against Mnangagwa’s tenure’s extension agenda and want his vice president, General retired Constantino Chiwenga to take over power.
Protests have been rare in the country in the past years as Mnangagwa’s regime banned them.
Six people were shot dead on August 1, 2018 when the army opened fire on protesters who were demanding release of election results.
Monday’s stay away and protest is a huge test for Mnangagwa who came to power through coup that removed long ruling President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
“Zimbabwe experienced a national shutdown today in protest against the attempt by ZANU PF to extend Mr Mnangagwa’s term of office. The extension would violate the Constitution which imposes a two term limit on the presidency that expires in 2028.,” Fadzai Mahere, a lawyer and activist wrote on X.
“The public has made its sentiments known. There is near unanimous opposition to the attempt to breach or amend the Constitution to create another Mugabe-type dynasty – particularly in the face of extreme poverty, chronic corruption and the incessant shrinking of freedoms.”
On angry protester addressing Mnangagwa said:“You can delay change, but you can’t stop it. One day, Zimbabwe will be free.”