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Thousands at Zimbabwe’s first anti-govt rally since crackdown
HARARE, Nov 29, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Thousands of anti-government
demonstrators marched through Harare on Thursday under close surveillance by
armed police in the first rally since a deadly crackdown on an election
protest in August.
Singing and waving placards denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s
rule, the protesters gathered in the centre of the Zimbabwean capital to hear
speeches ahead of a march.
The event, which was held with police approval, was organised by the main
opposition MDC party, which says it was cheated of victory in the July 30
election, eight months after long-time leader Robert Mugabe was ousted.
In a mass demonstration two days later, six people died when security
forces opened fire on the protesters, undermining Managagwa’s efforts to
present the election as a fresh start for the nation after years of
repression under Mugabe years.
“Mnangwagwa must go,” read one banner at Thursday’s protest alongside
others reading “You stole my vote, please give it back” as well as slogans
demanding justice over the August 1 shootings.
Much of the marchers’ anger was focused on Zimbabwe’s renewed economic
problems, with people struggling to cope with dramatic price rises and
shortages of essentials like bread, cooking oil and petrol.
“We are here to demonstrate against the economic crisis and the election
that was stolen,” said Donald Bango, a 25-year-old security guard.
“There are no jobs. The current government is not doing anything to fix
our problems,” he told AFP.
Marching through the rain, the protesters chanted praise for MDC leader
Nelson Chamisa, who claims he is the rightful winner of the election.
“Prices of basic commodities are going up and we cannot access drugs from
pharmacies,” said Rachel Chakanetsa, a 53-year-old widow who was at the
demonstration.
“We are in dire poverty. The situation must be addressed urgently.”
Mnangagwa, who took over after Mugabe was forced to resign by the military
in November 2017, promised to revive the ruined economy after he won the
disputed election.
The latest bout of economic strife erupted last month when the government
announced a two-percent tax on all electronic transactions to increase
revenue.
Many Zimbabweans rely on electronic payments as US dollars, which function
as the country’s main currency, are scarce, with hardly anyone trusting the
local “bond note” currency.
Mugabe’s 37-year reign was marked by corruption and mismanagement that led
to an exodus of investors, mass emigration and collapse of many public
services.
Mnangagwa recently said Mugabe, 94, was in Singapore for medical treatment
and was unable to walk due to ill health and old age.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1830HRS