Poverty protest hits Harare

PRICE RISES AND SHORTAGES: NEW PRESIDENT’S PROMISE TO REVIVE ECONOMY FALLS FLAT

Last month government announced 2% tax on all electronic transactions, sparking more strife.

Zimbabwe

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched through Harare yesterday under the close surveillance of armed police in the first rally since a deadly crackdown on an election protest in August.

Singing and waving placards denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the protesters gathered in the centre of the capital for speeches ahead of a march. The event, which was held with police approval, was organised by the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, which claimed 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 after years of repression under Mugabe.

“Mnangwagwa must go”, read one banner at yesterday’s protest alongside others reading “You stole my vote, please give it back” and slogans demanding justice for the August 1 shootings. Much of the marchers’ anger was focused on Zimbabwe’s renewed economic problems, 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 security guard. “There are no jobs. The current government is not doing anything to fix our problems.”

The protesters chanted praise for MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, who has claimed he was the rightful winner of the election.

Rachel Chakanetsa, a 53-year-old widow who was at the demonstration, said: “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 last year, 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 2% tax on all electronic transactions. –

Government is not doing anything to fix our problems

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