Harare
Zimbabwe’s security forces on Thursday cleared people off streets of the capital Harare and forced shops to close, a day before planned anti-government protests during the worst economic crisis in more than a decade. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has struggled to keep his promise to revive the economy, with many Zimbabweans complaining they are worse off than when he replaced the autocratic Robert Mugabe after an army coup in 2017.
Activists have called for street rallies across the country on Friday over corruption in government and economic hardships. Soaring inflation has eroded salaries and pensions. On Wednesday, Mnangagwa said the protest would constitute an “insurrection” by the opposition. Melanie Johnson, the ambassador from former colonial ruler Britain, called for restraint from both sides, saying on Twitter she was concerned by “toughening language on and off social media in Zimbabwe.”
In central Harare, armed soldiers and anti-riot police patrolled on foot and in trucks, telling people to leave, while checkpoints blocked roads in. “Why are they forcing shops to close before the stipulated time?” asked one nervous motorist, asking not to be named. After midday, downtown Harare was largely empty. A police statement said no demonstrations would be allowed. “All security arms of government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence.—Reuters
