Zimbabweans pour into streets for anti-Mugabe march

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Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans on Saturday poured into streets of the capital Harare to celebrate the military takeover of government and add their voice to growing calls for Mugabe to resign.

Zimbabwean soldiers later blocked thousands of protesters as they tried to march on embattled President Robert Mugabe's official residence in Harare, an AFP correspondent on the scene said.

Waving placards with messages such as "Mugabe must go" and "No to Mugabe dynasty," the jubilant Zimbabweans, some dancing, singing and hooting cars, braved the chilly weather and flooded the streets to participate in the anti-Mugabe march.

Protesters gather calling for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to step down, in Harare, Zimbabwe November 18, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Thousands were marching to State while others headed to Zimbabwe Grounds, the venue of another anti-Mugabe rally that has been organized by the influential Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.

The street march and rally have been backed by the military, which, however, emphasized that the rally should be peaceful and orderly.

The war veterans association invited citizens across the country's political divide to attend the rally and participate in the march.

As Zimbabweans are celebrating in the streets waiting for Mugabe's eventual downfall, the ruling ZANU-PF party has called for the resignation of Mugabe, warning that if the 93-year-old leader refuses to step down the party would recall him.

A man carries a poster calling for Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe to step down as Zimbabweans took to the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 18, 2017. /Reuters p

All the 10 provinces of the party have endorsed Mugabe's resignation. The party's provinces are also calling for the reinstatement of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was fired by Mugabe last week.

The party has also called for the convening of a special central committee meeting within 48 hours to re-align the party with current developments.

The state broadcaster ZBC reported Saturday that thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life including war veterans, war collaborators, political parties, civic organizations, youths and traditional chiefs had come for the rally at Zimbabwe Grounds.

Protesters gather calling for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to step down, in Harare, Zimbabwe November 18, 2017. /Reuters Photo

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday the African region was committed to supporting "the people of Zimbabwe" and that he was cautiously optimistic that the situation there could be resolved amicably.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency