A recent discussion by political analyst Eldred Masunungure highlights the futility of protests in Zimbabwe. As citizens remain wary of government retribution, calls for a stay-away have largely been disregarded due to survival priorities. Masunungure calls for a new political organization to unite those opposed to the ruling party and suggests drawing upon the successful coalition from 2009 to 2013, despite skepticism about such possibilities given the current oppressive political climate.
In late March 2025, Zimbabwe experienced a peculiar phenomenon as citizens stayed away from their workplaces and businesses, transforming the bustling urban centers into quiet ghost towns. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure, who teaches at the University of Zimbabwe, attributed this lack of participation to a rational reluctance to confront the government’s coercive power. The government’s history of responding to dissent with force looms large over any calls for protest, including one made by war veteran Blessed ‘Bombshell’ Geza intended to unseat President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Masunungure recently shared his insights in an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, noting that while people followed Geza’s initial call to refrain from work, they did so out of self-preservation. He explained that last week, when Geza advocated for an ‘indefinite’ stay-away, the plan fell flat due to its perceived disregard for the immediate survival needs of ordinary Zimbabweans, many of whom rely on informal jobs to make ends meet. “Participating in an indefinite stay-away is suicidal,” he noted, emphasizing that this was simply a case of plain common sense.
The analyst further elaborated on the missed opportunities for organized dissent, labeling Geza’s movement a solo effort. He remarked that without a cohesive political organization, such initiatives are fundamentally unstable. “The reality of present-day politics is that there is no organizational political home for those who are not inclined towards Zanu PF,” he commented, highlighting an alarming trend.
Zimbabwe’s political landscape is marked by numerous individuals lacking a reliable political alternative, particularly after the fall of prominent opposition parties like the Movement for Democratic Change and the more recent Citizens Coalition for Change. Masunungure lamented this reality, stating, “the lack of a viable and trusted organizational vehicle to accommodate the multitudes of political orphans” epitomizes the current plight.
Describing Zimbabwe as grappling with deep-seated fragility over the past 25 years, he identified systemic challenges in the economy, social order, and international relations. This ongoing tumult is typified by rampant corruption, soaring unemployment, inflation, and a volatility in currency that seems to be spiraling out of control. The government’s deep entrenchment in grassroots resources further exacerbates this instability.
In order to ignite a revival in Zimbabwe, Masunungure suggests the country may need to revisit the cooperative dynamics of the 2009-2013 Government of National Unity (GNU), a time many citizens reflect upon wistfully. However, he also cautions against this idealism in a political environment dominated by a single party and with civil society tightly controlled.
He pointed to legislative measures, such as the Private Voluntary Organisation Amendment Act, which he views as a stifling force against civil engagement. Masunungure expressed hope that progressive elements within the church might facilitate a new national dialogue aimed towards a GNU-like solution. “This will require the active input of regional leadership, principally in SADC,” he added, pointing to the necessity of external influence in navigating the political quagmire.
Ultimately, Masunungure suggests that Zimbabwe is likely to remain enveloped in a fog of uncertainty and chaos for the near future. The current situation reflects the complexities and challenges facing the nation, with little indication of a clear way forward.
In summary, the political landscape in Zimbabwe remains fraught with challenges as citizens navigate a complex web of uncertainties. Eldred Masunungure posits that the lack of organizational political structures is a significant impediment for those seeking change. He suggests the revival of a collaborative Government of National Unity model is crucial, yet doubts its feasibility under the current regime’s dominance. The general sentiment is one of cautious despair, as many fear a future of continued instability and confusion in Zimbabwe’s governance.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
