CHURCHES BACK RIGHT TO PROTEST AS JULY 31 SHOWDOWN LOOMS
HARARE – Zimbabwe is bracing for heightened political tensions after the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) declared that peaceful protest is a constitutional right that must be protected, just days before planned nationwide demonstrations on 31 July.
In a new Pastoral Letter, the ZCC urged the Government, police and security services to uphold Sections 58 to 61 of the Constitution by safeguarding citizens’ fundamental freedoms, while calling on demonstrators to remain peaceful, responsible and law-abiding.
The statement comes as opposition party ZAPU and several civic organisations prepare for mass protests against recent constitutional amendments that reportedly extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, and alter the method of electing the President.
The People’s Coalition – Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano Lomphakathi has also endorsed the demonstrations, while National Democratic Working Group activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi has been arrested over alleged mobilisation efforts.
Organisers say the protests are driven by mounting public frustration over Zimbabwe’s political, economic and social crises, accusing the Government of authoritarian rule, corruption, poor governance and economic decline. They argue the nation has fallen dramatically from its former status as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s strongest industrial economies before 2000.