Zimbabwean police have arrested 95 individuals following Monday’s anti-government protests in the capital, Harare, accusing them of promoting “public violence” and “breaches of peace.” According to police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the suspects were identified through social media posts, a WhatsApp group, and at the protest sites. Authorities claim that some of those arrested were involved in organizing the demonstrations, which were called by Blessed Geza, a former member of the ruling ZANU-PF party who has since turned against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Despite initial calls for mass participation, the protests saw a low turnout, with most Zimbabweans opting to stay indoors amid a heavy security presence. Reports indicate that riot police and military forces were deployed across key locations in Harare, discouraging potential demonstrators from gathering.
Geza, who has been outspoken against Mnangagwa’s leadership, has accused the president of economic mismanagement and corruption. He has called for the president’s immediate resignation, citing growing public frustration over worsening economic conditions, high inflation, and alleged human rights violations.
The government has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that Zimbabwe remains stable. Authorities have also dismissed claims that dissent is being suppressed, asserting that security measures were necessary to prevent unrest.
This latest wave of arrests has sparked concern among human rights organizations, who have previously accused the Mnangagwa administration of using security forces to silence critics. Some opposition leaders have condemned the crackdown, arguing that Zimbabweans have a constitutional right to protest.
As tensions rise, analysts warn that increasing repression could lead to more instability in the country, especially with growing dissatisfaction over governance and economic hardship.
