Zimbabwe, a small landlocked country in southern Africa. But in the capital Harare, trouble has already started to brew. Last Friday, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country's largest mobile phone operator was instructed by the government to shut down all Internet access for the second time in a week. But why?
Zimbabwean authorities have clamped down on internet use due to violent protests breaking out over President Emmerson Mnangagwa's announcement of 150% hike on fuel prices. Access to the internet was reinstated on Monday, but the country is still not at peace.
The internet was first shut down due to the government wanting to limit Internet access to halt circulation of images showing security forces responding violently to the protests. The protests erupted after Zimbabwe's president stated that a price hike on gas prices was required to ease months of fuel shortages. The public unrest led to at least 12 killed and 25 injured.
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said it has now treated more than 150 different cases of assaults with sharp objects, baton stick, and broken legs. A nurse from a private hospital in Harare has even reported to attending to a man with a broken spine. Many of Harare's residents who went to seek food have reported to being tear-gassed by the police.
The United Nations says it has received reports of security forces using live ammunition, conducting door-to-door searches, and arresting more than 600 people nationwide that are suspected of being against the leadership. A spokesman of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that they call on the government to find ways of engaging with the population about their grievances without resorting to violence.
The protests are described as a buildup of anger and frustration at an economy that is grinding to a halt. The job economy is barely getting by and people are beginning to suffer. But, the cost of living in Zimbabwe has skyrocketed with soaring inflation.
Emmerson Mnangagwa was seen as a more liberal leader, which attracted many to his campaign. He was elected last year after the dictator Robert Mugabe stepped down following 37 years in power. But now, many of his voters claim that Mnangagwa and his government is all a stunt and no substance. Activist Pastor Evan Mawarire says "They say Zimbabwe is open for business, but they close any space for free expression and for citizens' voice".
We, as an international community, can bring light into the political injustice taking place. The international community can post pictures of the protests on different social media in order to raise attention. While there isn't much we can do hands-on, getting the information of what's happening in Zimbabwe can help benefit its citizens immensely.
