Zimbabwe: Police Deploy Heavily as War Veterans' Protest Call Neutralized

Widespread Police Deployment in Zimbabwe

• 🚨 Zimbabwe's capital Harare and other cities saw heavy police deployment on Monday, largely neutralizing a call for mass protests.
• 🏢 Businesses, schools, and vendors across Harare and the second city Bulawayo remained closed, with many barricading their premises.

War Veterans' Opposition to Mnangagwa

• ✊ The protests were called by the country's Independence War veterans, who previously supported President Emmerson Mnangagwa but have since turned against him.
• 🗣️ They accuse Mnangagwa, nicknamed 'the crocodile', of seeking to cling to power and prolong his term.

Political Context and Allegations

• 🗓️ Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party stated in January a desire to extend Mnangagwa's final term until 2030, anticipating unrest.
• 🚫 Mnangagwa has repeatedly denied intentions to prolong his presidency, but veterans allege he is pursuing this plan through proxies.
• ⚠️ A small group of protesters chanting "we reject 2030" were dispersed with tear gas on the western outskirts of the capital.

Opposition and Internal Dynamics

• 👥 The war veterans appear to be filling a void left by opposition parties, which are weakened by internal divisions and conflict with the ruling party.
• 📰 Police issued a statement declaring the situation peaceful and encouraging citizens to continue daily activities, despite the earlier dispersal of a small protest.