Most Zimbabweans across major cities and towns chose to stay at home, effectively shutting down operations on March 31— a day earmarked for demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid for a third term.
The mass
stay-away dealt a significant blow to the government’s attempts to project the
day as business as usual, exposing growing discontent over the ruling Zanu PF’s
efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
In the days
leading up to the planned protest, the Zimbabwean government deployed heavy
security forces, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
Military and
police vehicles, some numbering up to 20 in a single patrol, roamed the
streets, with soldiers in riot gear and police officers on high alert.
The show of
force stunned citizens, prompting many to stay indoors rather than risk
confrontations with security personnel.
The movement,
dubbed March 31 (M31) Resistance, was initiated by Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, a
war veteran and former intelligence officer reportedly aligned with Vice
President Constantino Chiwenga.
The power
struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has reportedly intensified in recent
months, with Mnangagwa’s faction pushing for a constitutional amendment to
extend his presidency to 2030 — a move strongly opposed by Chiwenga’s camp.
As the day
began in Bulawayo, it was far from business as usual, with major businesses,
including small shops and informal market stalls, remaining closed.
Only large
supermarkets and food outlets cautiously remained open, while several schools
shut their doors and others turned away students.
Public
transportation was scarce, leaving commuters stranded as buses and taxis
largely avoided the city centre.
In Harare,
tensions escalated by midday as protesters gathered at Rotten Row Road,
chanting anti-Mnangagwa slogans such as “Taramba 2030” (We reject 2030). The
demonstrators, mostly youths, barricaded roads with stones, prompting a police
crackdown. CITE
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