16 Sep 2019 | 01:29 PM UTC
Zimbabwe: Doctors protest in Harare September 15-16
Zimbabwean doctors protest the disappearance of their leader September 15-16 amid an ongoing strike; further protests likely; disruptions to health care services expected
Event
Hundreds of doctors protested in the capital Harare for the second consecutive day on Monday, September 16, over the disappearance of the leader of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) on Saturday, September 14. According to the protesters, the president of the ZHDA was abducted by security forces in an attempt to break a doctor's strike he called, ongoing since early September. Police forces eventually dispersed the crowd.
As of Monday, it is unclear if the strike is indefinite, but it is possible that the doctors will not return to their posts until their leader is released. Significant disruptions to medical services are to be anticipated across the country.
Additional related protests are likely in the coming days, amid a heightened security presence. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Peter Magombeyi, president of the ZHDA, organized the strike to denounce their inability to provide adequate services because of low salaries, a lack of basic health material in state hospitals, and increasing living costs.
Advice
Individuals present in Zimbabwe, including in Harare, are advised to confirm doctor's appointments, to anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities for the duration of the strike, and to avoid any potential protests.
