Heavy security suppressed protests in Zimbabwe against President Mnangagwa’s potential term extension. War veterans, once his allies, now back VP Chiwenga. Despite denials, concerns over corruption and power retention persist.

A heavy security presence in several cities across Zimbabwe largely neutralized a national protest on Monday aimed at pressuring President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign.

Most businesses, offices, and schools in the capital, Harare, and Bulawayo shut down, with people choosing to stay home amid fears of unrest. Independence war veterans had called for the demonstration to protest against plans to extend Mnangagwa’s rule.

In January, his ruling ZANU-PF party announced that it wanted him to remain in office for another two years until 2030. Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 after his mentor and long-time president, Robert Mugabe, was ousted in a coup. He is currently serving his second and final term as president.

Veterans, led by Blessed Geza, who previously supported Mnangagwa, have now turned against him, accusing him of corruption and of wanting to cling to power. They are calling for retired general and vice president Constantine Chiwenga to take over as president. Chiwenga has not publicly commented on the calls for him to replace Mnangagwa, and government officials deny there is a rift between the two men.

Police in Harare described the situation in the country on Monday as “peaceful” and encouraged people to go about their daily business. However, a video shared on social media showed security forces using tear gas to disperse a small group of protesters in Harare who were chanting, “We reject 2030.”

Mnangagwa and his administration have faced numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement as Zimbabwe struggles with an economic crisis. The president has repeatedly denied any intention of prolonging his presidency, but many remain unconvinced that he will step down.

Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, making this Mnangagwa’s last term in office.