By A Correspondent
On Monday morning, a peaceful protest in Central Harare was abruptly interrupted when police dispersed demonstrators, despite claims of peaceful intent by the organizers. A group of Harare residents gathered briefly near the Central Business District (CBD) to voice their opposition to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s third-term agenda, but their efforts were swiftly thwarted by law enforcement.
The protest, which was organized by war veteran Blessed Geza, was part of a growing movement calling for the government to address the country’s political and economic crisis. Geza, a prominent figure in the opposition, had urged citizens to take to the streets to oppose Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term, which he and others argue would further entrench the current regime’s hold on power.
In a statement leading up to the protest, Geza explained that the demonstrations were intended to be peaceful and were meant to signal widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s direction. “We are protesting because we cannot allow a third term for Mnangagwa. The people are suffering, and this government is doing nothing to address our needs,” Geza said.
However, when the protesters assembled in Central Harare, their gathering was short-lived. Police, who had been heavily deployed in the area, moved quickly to disperse the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported that officers used force to scatter the protesters, creating a tense atmosphere in the heart of the city.
One protester, who asked to remain anonymous, shared their frustration: “We just wanted to express ourselves, but the police came and chased us away. We are tired of this government. We have the right to protest, but they just want to silence us.”
Another resident, who was caught up in the incident, voiced their concern over the heavy-handed tactics used by law enforcement: “We were not violent; we just wanted to make our voices heard. But instead of listening, the police treated us like criminals. It’s clear that the government doesn’t care about its people.”
The swift police action reflects ongoing concerns over the government’s handling of public dissent. Critics argue that the use of force to suppress protests is a sign of growing authoritarianism under President Mnangagwa’s rule.
Despite the disruption, the message behind the protest is resonating with many Harare residents. As the country faces worsening economic conditions, the call for political change continues to gain momentum. While the police may have succeeded in dispersing the crowd on Monday, the underlying dissatisfaction with Mnangagwa’s leadership remains palpable. As one protester put it, “They can chase us away today, but we will keep fighting for our rights.”