Zimbabwe opposition warns of 'faceless' protest calls

Opposition politicians and civic activists have raised concern over what they describe as "faceless" and poorly coordinated calls for demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), warning that the anonymous mobilisation could expose ordinary citizens to arrest and intimidation.

The activists said while citizens have a legitimate right to challenge laws they oppose, protest organisers should be identifiable and willing to take responsibility for the actions they encourage.

They also raised suspicions that some anonymous calls for protests could be intended to lure citizens into confrontations with the authorities.

The concerns come amid renewed calls for civic action against CAA3, which introduced major changes to Zimbabwe's constitutional and electoral framework.

Among other provisions, the amendment extends the terms of the President and Parliament from five to seven years and replaces direct presidential elections with a parliamentary process for selecting the President.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's current term, which was originally expected to end in 2028, could now run until 2030.

Zanu-PF has also been pushing for a further extension of Mnangagwa's tenure to 2037.

The mobilisation against CAA3 has largely taken place through social media, with calls emerging from individual activists, newly formed civic organisations and groups whose leadership structures are not always publicly known.

Some organisers are also reportedly based outside Zimbabwe.

Kupakwashe Mtata, convener of Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano loMphakathi (The People's Coalition), said anonymous mobilisation placed citizens in a vulnerable position.

"The problem with being faceless is, when you make a call and hide, who is expected to show their face?" Mtata told The Standard.

"Any call to be courageous should be courageous itself. You cannot be saying things and act otherwise.

"Courage must be demonstrated. If you call for others to make the courageous act and you yourself do not have the courage to show your face, it's a challenge."

Mtata said organisers should be prepared to publicly identify themselves and accept responsibility for the actions they encourage.

"We should know who is making the call," he said.

"It could be a strategy by those who do not want the protests to be successful."

The comments reflect growing anxiety among opposition and civic actors over how protests against CAA3 are being organised, particularly in an environment where authorities have warned that demonstrations deemed unlawful will not be tolerated.

Several politicians and activists have already been arrested on allegations relating to the mobilisation of protests.

On July 16, activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi was arrested in Beitbridge after allegedly posting a Facebook video calling on citizens to participate in a July 31 demonstration against CAA3.

According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Mbedzi was charged with incitement and inciting an unlawful gathering.

The July 31 protest itself was organised by individuals whose identities were not immediately clear.

Police had already deployed officers ahead of the planned demonstrations, saying the deployment was intended to maintain law and order.

Authorities have also warned individuals and groups against using social media to encourage what they regard as unlawful protests or attempts to disrupt public order.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has said those who seek to influence citizens to revolt against the Government or disturb public order will face the law.

For opposition parties and civic groups, the situation presents a difficult dilemma.

On one hand, they argue that citizens should retain the right to express opposition to constitutional changes and demand accountability through peaceful civic action.

On the other, they fear that poorly organised demonstrations could expose participants to serious consequences without adequate leadership, legal support or contingency planning.

The decentralised nature of the current mobilisation has also made it difficult to establish who is responsible for particular calls to action.

Critics therefore argue that anyone calling on citizens to take to the streets should be prepared to publicly identify themselves, explain the objectives of the protest and demonstrate that appropriate structures are in place to protect participants.

The debate comes as Zimbabwe remains deeply divided over CAA3 and the future of presidential succession.

With legal challenges to the amendments expected to continue and Zanu-PF pushing its 2037 agenda, pressure for further civic action is likely to persist.

However, activists are increasingly warning that the question of who is behind the calls for protest may be almost as important as the protests themselves.