Zimbabwe police arrest 95 protesters amid growing political tensions

Police in Zimbabwe have arrested 95 people accused of inciting "public violence" and "breaches of peace" following protests on Monday that called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.

The authorities said they identified the suspects through social media activity, a WhatsApp group, and their presence at the demonstration in Harare.

The protests, which had been called by a veteran of the ruling ZANU-PF party, Blessed Geza, saw limited turnout as citizens largely chose to stay away, deterred by a heavy security presence.

Geza has been vocal in opposing efforts by a faction of the party seeking to keep Mnangagwa in power beyond his second term, which is set to end in 2028.

He has thrown his support behind Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga as a successor and previously urged Zimbabweans to take to the streets to pressure the president to resign.

Zimbabwe's police have faced frequent accusations of using force to suppress demonstrations.

Throughout Monday, videos circulating on social media showed officers dispersing crowds with tear gas at Harare’s President Robert Mugabe Square.

In another video, a woman criticized the crackdown, insisting, "We're not going anywhere, we're going to stay here."

A 63-year-old protester on crutches also spoke out, saying, "I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to. We want General [Constantine] Chiwenga to take over."

Despite the calls for him to assume leadership, Vice-President Chiwenga has not commented on the matter.

Government officials have dismissed speculation of a division between him and Mnangagwa.

Farai Murapira, a member of ZANU-PF, downplayed the impact of the protests, stating that social media activity did not reflect reality.

However, political analyst Ibbo Mandaza viewed the shutdown of businesses and empty streets as a significant political message.

Across Zimbabwe’s cities and towns, many businesses remained closed, and the usual street vendors and public transport were largely absent.

Schools shut down as people feared potential unrest.

Police presence was visible throughout Harare, with roadblocks and patrols deployed across the city. Officers were also seen clearing the streets of stones and cement blocks left by protesters.

The protests were sparked by reports that Mnangagwa intends to extend his presidency beyond his constitutional term limit.

His supporters have promoted the slogan "2030 he will still be the leader," even though Zimbabwe’s constitution allows only two five-year terms.

Although Mnangagwa recently stated he plans to step down when his term ends, skepticism remains high among critics.

Geza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s 1970s war of liberation and a former senior ZANU-PF member, has been at the forefront of challenging Mnangagwa’s leadership.

In a series of strongly worded press conferences, he has repeatedly demanded that the president step down, warning of consequences if he refuses.

Meanwhile, religious leaders have called for calm, cautioning that continued unrest could further destabilize an already fragile nation.

A petrol station attendant, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the potential for conflict, saying that ordinary citizens do not want to see Zimbabwe descend into civil war.