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Zimbabweans have decided to shut down the country in what might be the biggest popular protest in years in Robert Mugabe‘s rule. They are protesting the hardship in the country and mismanagement of its resources.
Last Wednesday, civil servants who had not received their June salaries refused to go to work while other citizens barricaded roads with rocks and engaged in running battles with the police, who used tear gas.
About 50 protesters were arrested last week. One of those arrested was Evan Mawarire, the pastor responsible for organizing the job boycott on social media.
But despite the crackdown, organizers of the #ZimbabweShutdown2016 protests say they plan to protest again on Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14.
Organisers have taken to social media to urge Zimbabweans to observe the two-day national “shutdown” in protest at the government’s alleged mismanagement of the country.
Associated Press quoted Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo as saying to reporters on Tuesday in the Harare:
“Let me warn the instigators behind the intended protest that they will face the full wrath of the law”
The threat has however not stopped Zims from coming out. Photos on social media show many in the country’s flags despite strong police presence.
