Zimbabwe
By: Central News Digital | Zumba Dambi | Harare Correspondent
Harare – On Monday, 31 March 2025, major central business districts across Zimbabwe were uncharacteristically silent. The country’s key cities — Harare, Bulawayo, and Gweru — experienced a significant slowdown in daily activity as businesses remained closed, public transport was scarce, and residents largely stayed indoors.
This quietness stood in stark contrast to the government’s repeated assurances that the day would proceed as a normal working day. Yet, streets that are usually abuzz with commuters, vendors, and office workers were eerily calm — with shop fronts shuttered and taxi ranks half-empty.
The Call That Sparked Silence
The subdued atmosphere followed calls for a nationwide shutdown by certain veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. These veterans urged Zimbabweans to take part in protests demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, citing rising discontent over economic hardships and political repression.
Though no major demonstrations were reported, the impact of the call was widely felt. The decision by thousands to stay home, whether in solidarity, protest, or fear of a crackdown, sent a powerful message.
Government spokespersons labelled the calls for protest as “reckless” and “irresponsible”, arguing they were counterproductive to the country’s development agenda. The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services had on Sunday assured citizens that there was no legal shutdown planned and that all services should operate normally.
“These calls are retrogressive. Zimbabwe is open for business and peace. Citizens must ignore these dangerous provocations,” said a senior government official speaking to The Herald.
Fear, Uncertainty and the Ghost of 2019
Today’s eerie calm revived memories of Zimbabwe’s 2019 protests, where a government crackdown following a fuel price increase led to widespread violence, looting, and security force abuses. In that instance, the government’s swift and heavy-handed response left at least 17 people dead and hundreds injured.
In the current climate, it appears many citizens opted for self-preservation. Fear of possible arrests, potential violence, or even the deployment of soldiers and riot police kept many indoors.
“We weren’t sure what would happen today. It’s better to stay home and be safe,” said Tinashe Dube, a vendor in Mbare, Harare, who usually sets up shop by 6am but stayed home with his family.
Though no army or police deployments were visibly reported, police remained on high alert across the country.
Political Tensions Behind the Scenes
The political context is tense. Just last week, on 26 March, President Mnangagwa dismissed the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, a move interpreted by many analysts as an effort to shore up loyalty within the armed forces amid whispers of internal dissent.
Sanyatwe was immediately appointed Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, replacing former Olympian Kirsty Coventry, in what many view as a strategic redeployment.
The timing of Sanyatwe’s reassignment — days ahead of today’s anticipated shutdown — has sparked speculation over President Mnangagwa’s grip on the security establishment, with rumours of factional divides within the ruling ZANU-PF party continuing to circulate.
Chamisa Distances Himself from Shutdown
Amid growing speculation about opposition involvement in the planned shutdown, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa publicly distanced himself from the protest action.
“I’m not involved in the call for protests. I believe in peace, dialogue and constructive nation-building,” Chamisa said in a statement carried by ZimEye.
Chamisa’s statement is seen as a strategic move, both to avoid possible government retaliation and to project a moderate stance as Zimbabwe’s political landscape grows increasingly volatile ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Despite stepping back from frontline politics in late 2024, Chamisa has remained a potent political figure with grassroots appeal, especially among the youth.
Economic Desperation Fuels Discontent
Zimbabwe’s economic crisis continues to weigh heavily on citizens. Inflation remains in double digits, the local currency is unstable, and rolling electricity blackouts persist. Public frustration is also mounting over poor service delivery, a deteriorating health system, and high levels of corruption.
While the government has continued to market its “Zimbabwe is open for business” narrative, many citizens say they are still waiting for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“We keep hearing about reforms and investments, but we see none of it. Prices go up every week. Jobs are scarce. People are tired,” said Rudo Mlambo, a hairdresser in Gweru.
The apparent success of today’s shutdown — even without mass protests — underscores the depth of public frustration and growing distrust in both state institutions and political elites.
Government Denies Crisis
In a statement released Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Home Affairs claimed that all was calm and denied that the country was facing a national shutdown.
“Zimbabwe remains peaceful. There is no shutdown. Any disruptions are due to unfounded panic and fake news spread by irresponsible individuals online,” said the statement.
However, images shared on social media — of empty Harare avenues, deserted commuter ranks in Bulawayo, and quiet shopping centres in Gweru — told a different story.
International observers and diplomats are reportedly monitoring the situation, with several embassies in Harare advising their staff to exercise caution.
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