Zimbabwe experienced a nationwide shutdown as citizens chose to stay away from the streets rather than participate in planned protests calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation. The protest, organized by a group of disgruntled war veterans, was meant to pressure the president to step down over allegations of s and an alleged attempt to extend his rule beyond his constitutional limits.

Despite the calls for mass demonstrations, only a handful of protesters turned up for the march. However, they were quickly dispersed by the police, who were heavily deployed across major cities to prevent any large gatherings. The significant security presence appeared to deter many Zimbabweans from joining the demonstration, leading to an overall low turnout.

In response to the lack of participation, protest leader Blessed Geza took to the social media platform X, urging Zimbabweans “not to be cowards” and to stand up against the government. His message underscored the frustration felt by some citizens over what they perceive as continued misgovernance and economic struggles under Mnangagwa’s leadership.

Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017 after a coup that ousted longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, is currently serving his second and final term as president. However, critics fear that he may attempt to extend his rule through political maneuvering, fueling growing dissatisfaction among some segments of the population.

While the planned protests did not materialize as anticipated, the shutdown of businesses and public spaces signaled a silent form of resistance, reflecting widespread discontent within the country. Whether this discontent will translate into more direct action in the future remains to be seen.