A nationwide protest demanding the resignation of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa resulted in a shutdown rather than mass demonstrations, as citizens stayed home while authorities maintained a heavy security presence.
Despite calls for people to fill the streets, only a few protesters turned up in Harare, where they were quickly dispersed by police using tear gas. The protest, led by war veteran Blessed Geza, was aimed at pressuring Mnangagwa to step down over allegations of corruption and power retention. Geza, who supports Vice President Constantine Chiwenga as a successor, criticized Zimbabweans for not participating, calling them fearful.
Mnangagwa has been in power since 2017 after ousting longtime leader Robert Mugabe and is currently serving what is supposed to be his final term. However, speculation about extending his rule until 2030 has fueled discontent. While the president recently stated he plans to step down in 2028, many remain skeptical, especially as his supporters have pushed slogans suggesting he will stay in power beyond his constitutional limit.
Businesses, schools, and public transport services shut down across the country as people avoided potential clashes. Security forces blocked roads leading into Harare and patrolled the city, removing makeshift barricades set up by the few demonstrators. The streets, usually crowded with vendors and heavy traffic, were eerily quiet.
The government has downplayed the protest, arguing that social media hype did not translate into real action. However, analysts believe the shutdown itself sent a strong message of dissatisfaction. Clergy members have urged calm, warning that ongoing unrest could further destabilize the country.
Despite the low turnout, Geza remains defiant, continuing his attacks on Mnangagwa. The vice president has not commented on the push for him to replace the president, and government officials deny any division between the two leaders.