President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday vowed to crush planned opposition protests on Friday, claiming that the opposition was planning an “insurrection” against his regime.
Mnangagwa labelled organisers of the protests “terrorists”, echoing a label attached on the main opposition MDC Alliance by his Zanu PF party’s spokesman on Monday.
MDC Alliance deputy president Tendai Biti told journalists in Harare that Mnangagwa’s plan was to “liquidate” their party as his government comes under pressure over a deepening economic crisis and the erosion of salaries by hyperinflation, which was over 700 percent in June.
Police last week arrested Jacob Ngarivhume, the main organiser of the July 31 protest and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, accusing them of inciting violence by agitating for the protests on Twitter. The two men deny the charges.
Speaking at a meeting of the Zanu PF Politburo in Harare, Mnangagwa said: “This meeting is being held against the backdrop of a threat to our democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law, independence and nationhood from terrorists masquerading as opposition parties and activists.
“It must never be in doubt that the objective of these rogue Zimbabweans acting in cahoots with foreign appendages, supporters and financiers is to stage an insurrection and overthrow our democratically elected government.”
Citing the Covid-19 pandemic, Mnangagwa said the planned demonstrations were “a threat to the safety and security of our people, and people’s right to life.”
He added: “The planned insurrection is connected to the violence and destabilisation that opposition elements have fomented since 2018, including the August 1, 2018, violence and the January 2019 disturbances which led to the loss of lives.
“Emboldened and inspired by the upcoming Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations, Zanu PF as the people’s party will never ever stand by and allow our people to be put in harm’s way. We will equally defend our independence and sovereignty to the letter, and not betray the fallen heroes and heroines who paid the supreme sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
He warned organisers of the “ill-fated” protests that “security services will be vigilant and on high alert to appropriately response to their shenanigans”, while urging Zimbabweans to “shun these malcontents and reject their divisive, ruinous plan.”
Rejecting predictions of an economic implosion by his political rivals and economists, Mnangagwa claimed that his government “continues to make notable strides in fulfilling our election promises.”
Biti, addressing a news conference in Harare, said the MDC Alliance supported the right of citizens to protest, accusing Mnangagwa of using Covid-19 to criminalise criticism of his regime.
“We’re calling for the restoration of the constitution as a matter of urgency. Covid-19 has allowed this regime through the back door to impose a de facto state of emergency. Everyone’s rights have been suspended,” Biti said.
“We support the rights of the citizens who have organised July 31, 2020. We support their constitutional right to embark on a peaceful, constitutional protest against the regime codified in section 59 of the constitution of Zimbabwe. We reject the fascist response by the regime. A responsible government would have asked for dialogue with the organisers, but this regime is unique… it is violent and impervious to logic.”
Biti accused Mnangagwa and Zanu PF of “attempts to convert July 31 into a bloodletting affair”, insisting that there was nothing that the planners had said which intimated that they wanted a violent demonstration.
The MDC Alliance says scores of its activists have been abducted and beaten by state security agents in recent days, while dozens of others including unionists have been forced to flee their homes to escape a crackdown to suppress the protests.
“They’re being hounded as if they are common criminals. They’re all in hiding, being hounded by a predatory, thugocratic state led by Emmerson Mnangagwa. We’re concerned particularly at the concerted effort to liquidate the MDC Alliance. We take great exception to the description of our party as a terrorist organisation,” Biti said.
“We’re a legitimate, constitutional organisation that many years ago in 1999 took the bold decision to achieve democratic change in Zimbabwe through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means. Despite Zanu PF’s seduction, despite Zanu PF’s temptation we have refused and resisted the common formula on the African continent of going to the hills and calling yourself a rebel movement. We’ve remained loyal to the principle of constitutional, democratic change.
“If anything, it’s Zanu PF itself that is a terrorist organisation. It’s a terrorist organisation that abducts people. If you have any doubts about that, talk to Mrs Itai Dzamara right now she doesn’t know where her husband is, talk to Mrs Patrick Nabanyama right now she doesn’t know where her husband is, talk to Joana Mamombe, talk to Netsai Marova, talk to Cecelia Chimbiri and they will provide you with evidence of the brutality and the terrorist nature of Zanu PF. Talk to the family of Herbert Chitepo, Josiah Tongogara and General Mujuru… they will bear witness to how terrorist an organisation Zanu PF
Info News
Mortgage Refinancing Options Homeowners Should Consider in 2026
Understanding Mortgage Refinancing
Mortgage refinancing allows homeowners to replace their existing home loan with a new mortgage that offers updated terms, lower interest rates, or improved financial flexibility. Millions of homeowners refinance their mortgages to reduce monthly payments, shorten loan terms, or access home equity for major expenses.
As interest rates fluctuate in 2026, refinancing continues to attract homeowners looking for long-term savings opportunities. Even a small reduction in interest rates can save borrowers thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Refinancing can also help borrowers transition from adjustable-rate mortgages to more stable fixed-rate loan structures.
Homeowners considering refinancing should evaluate their financial goals carefully before applying. Some borrowers focus on reducing monthly payments, while others prioritize paying off mortgages faster or consolidating debt using home equity.
Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage
One of the biggest benefits of mortgage refinancing is lower monthly payments. Reduced interest rates can significantly improve household cash flow, allowing homeowners to save more money or manage other financial obligations more comfortably.
Refinancing may also shorten the loan repayment period. Some homeowners switch from 30-year mortgages to 15-year loans to reduce long-term interest expenses and build home equity faster.
Cash-out refinancing is another popular option. This allows homeowners to borrow against accumulated home equity to finance renovations, education expenses, business investments, or debt consolidation.
Factors to Consider Before Refinancing
Although refinancing offers many advantages, homeowners should carefully compare lender fees, closing costs, and loan terms before making decisions. Refinancing costs may include appraisal fees, loan origination charges, title insurance, and legal expenses.
Credit scores play a major role in refinancing approval and interest rates. Borrowers with stronger credit profiles generally qualify for more competitive terms and lower rates.
Timing is also important. Homeowners planning to move within a short period may not benefit enough from refinancing savings to justify upfront costs.
Final Thoughts
Mortgage refinancing remains a powerful financial tool for homeowners seeking lower payments, improved loan terms, or greater financial flexibility. Careful planning and lender comparison can help borrowers maximize savings and avoid unnecessary expenses.
By understanding refinancing options and evaluating long-term goals, homeowners can make smarter financial decisions that support long-term stability and wealth growth.
Lawsuit Settlement Lawyer: What To Know Before Accepting Compensation
A lawsuit settlement lawyer helps clients decide whether a settlement offer is fair. Settlements can happen in personal injury, employment, class action, divorce, insurance, and business cases.
A settlement may provide faster compensation and avoid trial risk. But accepting too little can create long-term financial problems.
Before signing, understand what the settlement covers, whether future claims are released, how fees are deducted, and whether taxes may apply.
In injury cases, consider future medical care, lost income, disability, and pain and suffering. In class actions, understand claim deadlines and payment rules. In divorce, understand long-term financial obligations.
A lawyer can explain the risks and benefits of accepting or rejecting an offer.
Settlement decisions should not be rushed. Once signed, many agreements are final.
A fair settlement should reflect the facts, damages, evidence, and risks of the case.
