Zimbabwe: Teachers protest march from Mutare to Harare

Event

Teachers in Zimbabwe launched a 270 km (168 mi) protest march from Mutare to the capital Harare on Monday, December 10. The caravan march is expected to arrive in Harare on Wednesday, December 19, with protesters planning to camp outside the Ministry of Finance. A heightened security presence is likely along with potential associated transportation disruptions. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out as police forces are reportedly trying to block a group of teachers from reaching the capital; scuffles erupted on December 16 in Macheke, where nine teachers were briefly arrested.

Context

Teachers are demanding to be paid in US dollars.

The country has been experiencing a deteriorating economic situation for more than a year, due in part to a lack of liquidity. As of December 2018, inflation rates continue to accelerate as the government prints "bond notes" in response to cash shortages linked to foreign currency shortages. The government had hoped that the July elections would lead to increased and much-needed foreign investment, but this has not materialized.

Advice

Individuals in Harare are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.