Ahead of a planned major anti-government protest in Zimbabwe, security forces on Thursday cleared people off streets of the capital Harare.
The security forces were also seen forcing shops to close after the police warned that no demonstrations would be allowed on July 31.
“All security arms of government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence and sending threats or provocative messages through the social media or any other means,” the police statement said.
Zimbabwe’s opposition and Civil Society groups have been mobilizing citizens for a mass protest to demand the release of over a 100,000 people who have been arrested for flouting restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Thousands have also been arrested for not wearing face masks. But the opposition and CSOs are accusing the government of targeting its critics and opponents.
Zimbabwe is facing an economic crisis as well as a pandemic and President Mnangagwa is under pressure to perform.
Source: Africafeeds.com
