The hopes of a new chapter for Zimbabwe after years of violence and dissent are being dashed following the chaos that rocked the country on Wednesday killing at least three people.
Soldiers are currently on the streets of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, a day after they fired at demonstrating opposition MDC Alliance supporters who argued that the election results were being rigged.
Monday’s election was expected to bring to the fore a new era for the country and revive the economy but this has not materialized as clashes and chaos has been the order of the day.
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At least 3 killed in Zimbabwe post-election violence https://t.co/mpoEPyKJLC pic.twitter.com/EeSWX28anB
— RT (@RT_com) August 2, 2018
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is yet to make a statement but the president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a series of tweets, said he is talking to the opposition and has called for an independent investigation.
As this day that ended in tragedy comes to a close, I implore all political and community leaders to utter these words loudly and clearly to all those who follow them – “Seek Peace and Pursue it!”
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 1, 2018
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s violence. All human life is sacred, and their deaths are a tragedy, irrespective of the circumstances. I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in yesterday’s events
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— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
They, alongside the families of the victims, are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
The most important thing for us now is to move beyond yesterday’s tragic events, and to move forward, together.
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— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
I am therefore calling for an independent investigation into what occurred in Harare yesterday. We believe in transparency and accountability, and those responsible should be identified and brought to justice.
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— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
Videos have since emerged of Wednesday’s situation in the country pending the announcement of the presidential results.
#Zimbabwe: Violent Protests Break Out in Harare
Armed anti-riot police and soldiers have deployed on the streets of the capital. At least one dead https://t.co/IDL9HTjRmUpic.twitter.com/Tlioh8tf38
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) August 1, 2018
Official results already show that the ruling ZANU-PF party had won most seats in the parliamentary ballot.
Shops at the moment remain closed in downtown Harare and other businesses have come to a standstill, news site BBC reports.
The Commonwealth election observer mission in the country has, meanwhile, condemned “the excessive use of force against unarmed civilians,” calling on all parties to exercise restraint.
As at the time of filing this story, soldiers were ordering people to go home and shops owners are being asked to close their shops, according to a tweet by a reporter from the Financial Times.
I’m in downtown Harare. Army trucks here ordering people to disperse and go home. Ominous feeling here. Masked soldiers again. pic.twitter.com/r6NRjMFRUK
— Joseph Cotterill (@jsphctrl) August 2, 2018
Mnangagwa, 75, had assured citizens of a free and fair vote after he came to power in November when the former president, Robert Mugabe was forced to resign.
The situation in the country now is rather disappointing, according to many observers.
Here’s how people are reacting to the crackdown in the country:
Woke up to several emails from potential engagements we had next week. Potential funders are postponing till further notice.
In addition to those that tragically lost their lives. #Zimbabwe Let’s begin to count the cost & potential ripple effects of yesterday’s violence.
— Simba Mhuriro ?? (@SimbaMhuriro) August 2, 2018
Dear Zimbabwe: Your past history should be your best teacher, you should know by now that violence isn’t the answer and doesn’t help to rebuild your once beautiful country#ThursdayThoughts #Zimbabwedecides2018
? credit to @IamMzilikazi pic.twitter.com/j8xHWrWPgS— Pablo Bashir (@bashirpablo) August 2, 2018
What hurts is that all this violence doesn’t affect the orchestrators, it affects the average person . We did our part , we voted . Let them fight their own battles #zimbabwe
— Lloyd kashangura (@_Ne_on___) August 2, 2018
Dear Zimbabwe: In May, Chamisa promised to make Zimbabwe ungovernable if they dont win elections. At this particular juncture – national security is TOP priority. The state won’t sit on its laurels while opposition merchants of violence do as they please. We can’t be led by such. pic.twitter.com/OOfrl7Qswa
— Cde Never Maswerasei ?? (@CdeNMaswerasei) August 2, 2018
the notion that Zimbabwe is inherently peaceful is a fiction that only serves to cover up the state’s violence. we see the limits of that language, and who it protects, in moments like this.
— Rudo Mudiwa (@Seka_hako) August 1, 2018
Rule of army is violence daily what a shame Zimbabwe is
— Vusie Ndlovu (@magodigee) August 2, 2018
If you are in the diaspora and you are inciting violence in Zimbabwe then you are a bloody coward, you are busy hiding behind your keyboards and aren’t on this streets seeing what we are seeing. May you be judged accordingly for your evil hearts!!! Nxaa!
— AdvocateMnyama (@advocatemnyama) August 1, 2018
There is a limit to everything. Those responsible for this provocation should put Zimbabwe before personal interest. We may get to a point of no return. I call upon all Zimbabweans to seek peace and by all means shun those behind violence.
— Togarepi pupurai (@TogarepiPupurai) August 1, 2018
Dear Zimbabwe: Your past history should be your best teacher, you should know by now that violence isn’t the answer and doesn’t help to rebuild your once beautiful country 1 pic.twitter.com/dXDfnOMCW8
— Mzilikazi wa Afrika (@IamMzilikazi) August 1, 2018
