Africans have taken to social media to express anger at the move by Zimbabwe’s government to crackdown on citizens.
The hashtag #ZimbabweanLivesMatter has been trending on twitter with Africans campaigning for an end to military-led crackdown and arrests of opposition politicians and journalists.
The government has been unhappy with critics and attempts to protest in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Last week Police arrested protesters including outspoken writer Tsitsi Dangarembga for protesting in the capital Harare.
Zimbabwe’s opposition and Civil Society groups wanted to mobilize citizens for the mass protest to demand the release of over a 100,000 people who have been arrested for flouting restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The government had warned that demonstrations will be treated as terrorists and severely dealt with.
Streets were cleared and shops closed to prevent people from taking part in the protest.
Zimbabwe is facing an economic crisis as well as a pandemic and President Mnangagwa is under pressure to perform.
No respect for rights of citizens
Those against the government crackdown want Zimbabwe’s government to respect the rights of those protesting against alleged human rights abuses and corruption.
But President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a speech condemned what he called the “machinations of destructive, terrorist opposition groupings”.
“Those who promote hate and disharmony will never win. The bad apples that have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out. Good shall triumph over evil,” he said.
Mr Mnangagwa also said “security services will continue to carry out their duties with appropriate astuteness and resolve”.
“We shall overcome attempts at destabilisation of our society by the few rogue Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign detractors,” he said.
Zimbabwean Lives Matter
On social media Many Africans are calling for an end to the crackdown and respect of rights.
That “address” by @edmnangagwa was incredibly out of touch & mired in the mentality of siege.
We need new leaders. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter?? pic.twitter.com/OlXiM0qgYJ
— Fadzayi Mahere (@advocatemahere) August 4, 2020
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/1N1xssI9pJ
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) August 3, 2020
Fadzayi, Tsitsi, Julie, Terrence, Loveridge, and all the others in Zimbabwe’s protest may God give you strength and courage in your pursuit of freedom. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
— Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (@MaEllenSirleaf) August 4, 2020
We need urgent help! ???
This is what is happening in Zimbabwe.#ZimbabweanLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Kq8zqv8KTI
— Team Pachedu ?? (@PacheduZW) August 4, 2020
Zimbabwean lives matter!
They mattered before, yesterday, today & forever!
Mwari komborerai Zimbabwe nevanhu vake✊? pic.twitter.com/Y7F4lXmCHK
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) August 4, 2020
My brother @wizkidayo would you be able to feature on a #ZimbabweanLivesMatter song Zwitter please help share
— #unityalbumrelease16sept (@buffalosouljah1) August 4, 2020
Today, we say prayers for our shamwaris ???? #PrayforZimbabwe #ZimbabweanLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/FucJg1y70t
— Karabo Mokgoko ? (@Karabo_Mokgoko) August 4, 2020
Mnangagwa has just confirmed his murderous mission by ominously labeling the people as “destructive terrorist opposition groupings” & “dark forces both inside & outside our borders”. He & his junta must be stopped now!#ZimbabweanLivesMatter#FreeZimbabwehttps://t.co/v3WxKlXdYh
— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) August 4, 2020
Kenya stand with you #ZimbabweanLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/nws7BjPooQ
— Bryan Oumah (@Bryan_Oumah) August 3, 2020
All Africans liking #ZimbabweanLivesMatter posts; Your likes aren’t enough..let us raise a united voice and free Zimbabweans! Sending a message of solidarity from ?? Uganda, Courage✊? pic.twitter.com/VJf1sa6RyK
— MercyLove?? (@deuce_mercy) August 4, 2020
Source: Africafeeds.com
