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In a dramatic twist of events in Zimbabwe, war veteran Blessed Geza has cancelled a series of protests aimed at ousting President Emmerson Mnangagwa, citing threats of a bomb plot allegedly planned by Major Sean Mnangagwa, who is reportedly a relative of the president. The cancellation, announced via a YouTube broadcast on the night of March 31, has plunged the country into a fresh cycle of political speculation and unrest.
Blessed Geza, a notable figure among war veterans in Zimbabwe, had initially promised a decisive week of protests to force President Mnangagwa from office. However, just hours after his bold declarations, Geza received what he described as reliable intelligence indicating a sinister plot against the protests. According to Geza, these revelations involved plans by Major Sean Mnangagwa to plant bombs at strategic locations, subsequently framing Geza as a terrorist.
The sudden cancellation has sparked a wide array of responses, with supporters and detractors drawing varied conclusions. Some of Geza's followers believe the allegations and view the cancellation as a necessary step to ensure safety and avoid wrongful accusations. Others, however, speculate that Geza might have been coerced into retracting his plans by powerful factions within the ruling party, ZANU PF, or by the military, which has significant influence in Zimbabwe's political landscape.
The war veteran used his platform to highlight the broader issues plaguing Zimbabwe, including inadequate salaries for public workers, poor healthcare services, and the lack of quality education. He criticized the police for their heavy-handed approach towards peaceful protesters, emphasizing that his campaign was aimed at improving conditions for all citizens, including the security forces.
Furthermore, the saga has cast a spotlight on alleged corruption within the circles close to President Mnangagwa. Geza pointed fingers at influential figures such as businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, accusing them of manipulating their wealth to wield political power. This claim underlines the deep-seated issues of governance and accountability that have long troubled Zimbabwe.
Political analysts watching the situation unfold believe that, although the protests have been called off, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The incident underscores the growing paranoia and factionalism within ZANU PF, suggesting a volatile period ahead for Mnangagwa's administration. Observers maintain that while this protest may have been halted, the discontent among various segments of Zimbabwean society could lead to more challenges to the president's authority in the future.