Heightened Tensions in Zimbabwe as Protests Banned
Political tensions in Zimbabwe rose over the weekend as the government ramped up security and banned planned demonstrations by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.
CCC had notified authorities of their intent to hold peaceful marches in Bulawayo on Monday, denouncing the recent recalls of several of their elected MPs and councillors by a man claiming to be the party’s interim secretary. However, police denied permission, stating the notification did not fulfil legal requirements.
In response, security forces flooded urban areas, setting up roadblocks and stopping vehicles. Passengers were offloaded from public transit amid the heavy police presence seen on main roads.
CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi criticized the moves as panicking behaviours from a regime lacking electoral legitimacy. Over 1,000 citizens have signed the party’s online petition against the “unconstitutional and disrespectful” recalls.
The disputed recalls handed ruling Zanu PF a two-thirds parliamentary majority, provoking accusations they aim to weaken the dominant opposition that saw major wins in August’s vote. Both the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and CCC have condemned the maneuver as undemocratic.
With the ban on protest activity still fresh, tensions remain high. CCC is pursuing legal challenges but has also warned Zimbabweans will continue finding ways to make their voices heard. How the situation evolves from here could have significant ramifications for the country’s unstable political climate.
