Zanu PF Government: No Protests Allowed on July 31 Amid Constitutional Amendment Crackdown

• The Zanu PF government has deployed soldiers and police to threaten protesters on July 31.
• Provincial ministers accompanied by top security officials have been sent to warn protesters they face arrest if they proceed with their plans.
• The planned protests are in response to the recently passed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, which has been criticized for undermining constitutional rights.

The government's actions may constitute a breach of constitutional rights, particularly with regards to freedom of assembly and expression.

The Zanu PF government has deployed soldiers and police to threaten Zimbabweans planning protests on July 31, amid concerns over the recent constitutional amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years. Provincial ministers accompanied by top security officials have been sent to warn protesters they face arrest if they proceed with their plans. The protests have been called by activists on social media against the constitutional amendments, which also scrap presidential elections in favor of a vote by parliament.

The planned protests are in response to the recently passed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, which has been criticized by opposition groups for undermining constitutional rights. ZAPU, a key supporter of the protests, has argued that the law change should have first been submitted to a referendum in terms of section 328 of the constitution. The amendments also extend President Mnangagwa's term by two years and scrap presidential elections in favor of a vote by parliament.

The July 31 protests are a critical moment in Zimbabwe's history, as the country grapples with its future under the current government. The constitutional amendments have sparked widespread opposition, and the government's crackdown on protesters has raised concerns over the undermining of democratic rights. The outcome of these events will have significant implications for Zimbabwe's political landscape, and may even impact business operations and risk management strategies in the country.

Lawyers should be aware that the Zimbabwean government's actions may constitute a breach of constitutional rights, particularly with regards to freedom of assembly and expression. Compliance officers should monitor developments for potential implications on business operations and risk management strategies.

Source: Original reporting via Zanu PF panics, soldiers and police deployed to crush July 31 protests