Zimbabwe: Chamisa supporters to defy ban on Kwekwe rally September 2

Event

On Friday, August 31, Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC Alliance) party announced they would move forward with a rally planned for Sunday, September 2, in Kwekwe (Midlands) despite a police ban. The "Thank You" rally, which is the first of several similar rallies around Zimbabwe in support of failed presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa, was banned by police due to typhoid concerns in the Midlands capital of Gweru, 66 km (41 mi) to the south. MDC Alliance party organizer Amos Chibaya dismissed the rationale and claimed the ban is politically motivated. Clashes between MDC Alliance supporters and security forces are possible.

Context

Zimbabwe held its first elections since Robert Mugabe stepped down after 37 years in power on July 30. With preliminary results indicating the victory of incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid allegations of fraud and theft, protesters assembled in Harare on August 1. Authorities deployed army personnel to disperse opposition protesters using live ammunition, resulting in the deaths of six people. On August 3, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared Mnangagwa the winner with 2.46 million votes to Nelson Chamisa's 2.15 million votes. The ruling was upheld by Zimbabwe's Constitutional Court on August 24 and Mnangagwa's inauguration was held on August 26. 

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, and especially in Kwekwe, are advised to avoid all demonstrations and closely monitor the situation. Be prepared to shelter in place in case of further violence, which could flare up with little warning.