Zimbabwe Police Deploy, Clash With Protesters Against Mnangagwa's Rule Extension Plans

Zimbabwe's independence war veterans, once loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, have become vocal critics, accusing him of attempting to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits. The ruling ZANU-PF party proposed a two-year extension, prompting protests that were met with significant police presence, resulting in the closure of businesses and schools across major cities like Harare and Bulawayo. Despite police claims of a peaceful situation, officers used tear gas to disperse small groups of protesters chanting against the proposed extension. War veteran Blessed Geza, who organized the protests, emphasized the need for citizens to voice their dissatisfaction with the government’s direction. The increasing dissent from the veterans signals deepening divisions within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite, as they seem to fill a void left by a weakened opposition. Mnangagwa has denied any intention to extend his rule, but critics argue he is maneuvering through proxies to push this agenda.