Zimbabwe: Police and army clash in Harare August 1

Event

Clashes occurred between soldiers and police in Harare on Tuesday, August 1, after police officers reportedly deflated the tires of a military vehicle. The provocation led to a backlash by members of the military who attacked police at random in the city near Robert Mugabe road. Reports say multiple civilians were injured during the violence. The motive for the clashes is unclear; however, it may be related to the leaders of each force supporting opposing candidates in the upcoming 2018 election.

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 reelection 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 remain vigilant and avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence. Anticipate heightened security measures surrounding all public gatherings. Police regularly respond to unauthorized demonstrations with force.​