10 Sep 2019 | 11:56 AM UTC
Zimbabwe: Demonstration planned at former President Mugabe’s state funeral in Harare September 14 /update 1
Demonstration scheduled to coincide with state funeral for former President Robert Mugabe in Harare on September 14; large crowds and transportation disruptions expected
Event
A state funeral will be held for former President Robert Mugabe on Saturday, September 14, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare followed by a burial service on Sunday, September 15. The location of the burial has not been announced as of Monday, September 9. The former leader died on Friday, September 6, at a hospital in Singapore.
The youth assembly announced it would hold a demonstration at the same time and location to bring attention to Mugabe's human rights record while serving as president in Zimbabwe. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
Significant disruptions, including road closures, heightened security measures, and crowded conditions, are to be expected in Harare during the memorial events.
Context
Under Mugabe, Zimbabwe gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980. He served as Prime Minister until 1987, then as the country's first president from 1987-2017.
Advice
Individuals in Harare are advised to respect local customs, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, anticipate government and business disruptions, heightened security measures, and transportation disruptions near funeral events, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.
