Zimbabweans Go on Rampage Due to Skyrocketing Fuel Prices

By: Norhan Mahmoud

CAIRO, Jan. 18 (SEE)- Skyrocketing fuel prices extremely outraged Zimbabweans, triggering many to dwell streets so their government would resolve the crisis. Though the government did not listen, yet fired back at protestors.

Originally, fuel prices were leveled up by the government to lessen the increased consumption and halt illegitimate trade, but what was schemed as a corruption crackdown, by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has perged into a nationwide outcry- people can no more tolerate the economic misery!

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s fuel prices are the highest worldwide; petrol is tagged at $3.31/ liter and diesel at $3.11/ liter.

Thus, infuriated sufferers raged across the country in objection, protesting against the intolerable resolution. But what happened next was a total devastation. 

This week 12 people were killed and hundreds were detained after being arrested amidst the protests, in brutal and violent manners. 

Over 100 persons received medical treatment from severe injuries due to being hurt with sharp tools and booted feet, as per the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights.

Activist Pastor Evan Mawarire is taken into a vehicle by police outside his home in Harare, Zimbabwe, January 16, 2019. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

One of the most significant charged right activists is pastor Evan Mawarire, a prominent critic of Former President Robert Mugabe. Mawarire might be imprisoned for 20 years, if the judges were convinced that he caused unrest through encouraging people to strike, using social media platforms- as allegations state.

Besides, the internet access was suspended as an attempt to disconnect activists’ groups from contacting and assembling people. Later, the blackout was lifted except for a number of social media platforms including Facebook.

And, as with any oppressive regime, the Zimbabwean government put it all on the activists and opposition’s shoulders for being the ones who remonstrated and called for walk-outs, in the first place. 

The United Nations’ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a news conference, voiced his worries of the ongoing violence to confront demonstrations in Zimbabwe and called upon authorities to show restraint.

Shoppers wait to enter a supermarket in Harare, Zimbabwe, January 18, 2019. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

“The world must quickly step in to remove this blanket of darkness that has been put on the country,” Jacob Mafume, spokesman for the main Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party told Reuters. 

Authorities have not addressed the deadlock and currently citizens are stocking up on food and various supplies to safeguard themselves from the unknown.