Zimbabwe: Police disperse protesters in Harare July 12

Event

The opposition group Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T) held an unauthorized demonstration calling for fair elections in the capital city of Harare on Wednesday, July 12. Prior to holding the march, the MDC-T informed the local authorities that it would be holding a rally, but they did not receive permission. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the dozens of protesters. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming months and additional violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

Opposition supporters are accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of attempting to rig the upcoming 2018 presidential election. MDC-T leaders claim that the ZEC has intentionally delayed implementing reforms in order to allow President Robert Mugabe to win his reelections campaign. 

Mugabe came to power after Zimbabwe's independence in 1980 and has yet to name a successor. Despite serious health concerns, ZANU-PF again endorsed him as its candidate for the 2018 election. However the party has become divided over who will eventually succeed the 93-year-old Mugabe. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean economy is in the midst of a worsening recession due in part to a lack of liquidity, and protests are common. Zimbabweans are often forced to wait long hours outside of banks to withdraw cash and the government is currently struggling to pay civil servants.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence and to anticipate heightened security measures surrounding all public gatherings. Police regularly respond to unauthorized demonstrations with force.