Nelson Chamisa’s faction of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is struggling to gather support for protests during the 44th SADC Heads of States Summit. Despite their efforts, many potential protesters are hesitant to join, fearing arrest without any legal or moral backing from the CCC leadership. On August 8, CCC Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya urged Harare leaders to participate in planned protests intended to embarrass the Government. Chibaya hopes that arrests during these protests will ignite debates on human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
However, these leaders rejected the plan, pointing out that the CCC leadership often avoids leading from the front, leaving members to face consequences alone. This concern is rooted in past experiences, such as the August 1, 2018, protests when Chamisa called those arrested “stupid.” The refusal of opposition supporters to join the unsanctioned protests has angered their leaders, who are now demanding that the Government release those already arrested. Critics, including the US Embassy and the UN, have voiced their frustration, but it’s important to remember that every country has laws that must be respected.
Opposition leaders continue to call for outdated protests whenever there is a significant event in the country, despite the fact that Zimbabweans are now politically aware and not easily misled. These leaders often seek relevance and donor funding, while the families of the protesters suffer. Zimbabweans should continue to ignore these unnecessary calls for protests aimed at pleasing opposition leaders’ handlers. Meanwhile, law enforcement is prepared to maintain order during the SADC summit, and peace-loving citizens should act responsibly to avoid any disorder.
