Zimbabwean war veteran Blessed Geza called for nationwide protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Large numbers of citizens stayed away from work, leading to quiet streets and closed businesses, suggesting substantial public response. However, government officials downplayed the protests’ significance, arguing that they did not reflect an impactful political movement.
The recent protests and stay-away called by Zimbabwean war veteran, Blessed Geza, have elicited mixed reactions. On Monday, many residents in Zimbabwe’s major cities refrained from attending their workplaces, despite the official call for protests. Harare’s streets appeared notably quiet, as numerous businesses and schools were closed, reflecting substantial public response to Geza’s initiative against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a statement, Blessed Geza expressed gratitude to the populace, stating, “I want to thank you, Zimbabweans, for heeding our call to take action. The streets were empty. This is encouraging, we have sent a clear message that you want Emmerson and his corrupt cabal to go.” This underscores the sentiment among demonstrators seeking change in leadership.
Conversely, ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa countered the narrative, asserting that the protests lacked impact. He emphasized, “The people of Zimbabwe showed their political mettle not being part of that scourge of Africa, of being used against African progress.” This statement highlights the complexity of political sentiments in Zimbabwe amid claims of both opposition mobilization and governmental resilience.
In summation, the protests organized by Blessed Geza reflect a significant yet contested political atmosphere in Zimbabwe. While some citizens demonstrated their dissent against President Mnangagwa, government representatives have challenged the effectiveness of these actions. This situation reveals the ongoing struggle for political expression and the varying interpretations of civic engagement within the country.
Original Source: www.sabcnews.com
