‘Zimbabwe Is Not a Banana Republic’: Minister Warns Protesters Ahead of July 31 Demo

Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has issued a stark warning to those planning demonstrations on July 31 against the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Act (CAA3). Speaking to State media, Kazembe declared that security agencies are prepared to thwart any attempts to disrupt public order.

‘This is a country with laws. This is a country with law enforcement agencies. I can assure you that nothing of that sort will happen, law enforcement agents will be ready and waiting,’ said Kazembe. ‘Like I said, this is not a banana republic, this is a peaceful country with laws.’

The planned protests, spearheaded by opposition activists and constitutional advocates, argue that the amendment undermines democratic governance and weakens key safeguards. CAA3, signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, postpones the 2028 elections and extends his term to 2030, while also removing the requirement for public interviews in appointing senior judges.

Kazembe, who also chairs Zanu PF in Mashonaland Central, dismissed the protest plans as wishful thinking. ‘People are allowed to dream, they can dream on but as a country we are ready to deal with any mischief,’ he warned. The minister’s comments come amid growing political tensions, with opposition groups citing increased executive influence over the judiciary.

With both sides hardening their positions, attention now turns to July 31, a date that could further expose the deep political divisions surrounding one of Zimbabwe’s most controversial constitutional reforms in recent years.

Article and image source: allafrica.com