Zimbabwe: Government bans opposition demonstration January 13

Event

The Zimbabwean Government has warned on Monday, January 13, that any demonstration by opposition and civil society organizations will be met with violent opposition by police forces. The deputy minister of the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services declared that police forces were authorized to leverage a shoot-to-kill policy when confronting protesters participating in violent and unlawful demonstrations.

According to media sources, this warning was issued in response to civil servants planning to protest poor remuneration and economic conditions on Monday. In addition, opposition groups and civil society organizations are also planning large-scale demonstrations in the near term to commemorate the death of several protesters by the government last January.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of any demonstration that might take place. Clashes between protesters and security forces are likely.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe are advised to exercise caution and maintain a low profile at all times, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and obey any instructions issued by local authorities.