By RFIPalled on 15-08-2019Modified on 15-08-2019 at 23:24

As the Zimbabwean economy is in disarray, the country is preparing for new major opposition protests as of Friday, August 16th. Nelson Chamisa's Movement for Democratic Change has called on its supporters to take to the streets to protest the dramatic economic situation and demand, among other things, jobs, medical care or the end of shortages of gasoline, electricity and cash. The government of Emmerson Mnangagwa has already warned that security forces would intervene in cases of violence. In January, a general strike was severely repressed by the regime, killing at least 12 people.

There is no such thing as Zimbabwe, where the economic crisis makes life almost impossible. " The currency is only devaluing, denounces Daniel Molokele, MP of the MDC opposition party. The prices of basic necessities are soaring. Transport becomes too expensive. Unemployment is everywhere. And those who work receive a salary that is worthless. "

Not to mention the power cuts, which last 18 hours a day since May. Opposition demands reforms to Emmerson Mnangagwa's government. " We are calling for a national dialogue, a democratic transition authority and fair and free elections ," said the opposition MP.

The two bloodbaths at previous events are still in the memories. The march is officially peaceful. " We know that Zanu-PF is trying to make this march a violent one," says Daniel Molokele. And we hope they will not let the army and the police go to the streets to stop us and prevent us from exercising our rights. "

For its part, the power is intractable. " Terrorists are hiding behind the organizers, " say the Zimbabwean authorities. The repression has already begun. Six of the organizers were molested by unknown men at their home on Wednesday 14 August.

A deliquescent economy

To understand the mobilization of the opposition, suffice to look at a series of terrifying figures, which says a lot about the economic sinking of Zimbabwe. In early August, the government announced a further 26% increase in the price of oil, which has quadrupled since June. The shortages are severe, aggravated by long power cuts, forcing businesses to use generators.

Two months ago, inflation reached a peak of 175.7% in the country . The government has since decided to suspend the publication of annual inflation figures, pending the stabilization of the RTGS, a new monetary value introduced at the beginning of the year.

But these measures leave economists perplexed and far from relieving the daily plight of Zimbabweans. To make matters worse, the hurricane Idai just after a period of drought has damaged crops. As a result, famine now threatens millions of Zimbabweans, according to the United Nations.

A year after his disputed election as head of the country, Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to defend " painful but necessary reforms ." But his repeated promises of " economic transformation " are hard to convince.

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