Cross-border transporters required to enter Zimbabwe are fearful of the situation in that country, where a sense of eerie quiet characterised the domestic mood on Monday morning, March 31.
It follows growing dissatisfaction with the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Last week, the country seemed to be headed for public unrest, with members of Mnangagwa's own party, Zanu-PF, calling for large-scale protests to demand his resignation.
Various news sources in and outside Zimbabwe reported that the internal dissent had been fuelled by allegations of economic mismanagement, corruption and attempts by Mnangagwa and his closest insiders to extend his rule beyond his constitutional term limit, set to end in 2028.
At the start of this week, the Transit Assistance Bureau (Transist) reported that the streets of cities like Harare were quiet and that some shops hadn’t opened for business.
But in Bulawayo, where there’s a lot of opposition against Zanu-PF’s rule, crowds were seen walking past transport assets, apparently in support of growing dissent against Mnangagwa.
Faced with what looked like mounting insurrection, including his own direct support base, the president last week dismissed key security officials, including the army chief, amid fears of a potential coup by former allies.
A transport operator heading north into Zimbabwe from South Africa asked whether it was safe to cross, to which another replied on Transist’s group: “I have trucks as well (but) I’m holding back.”
Mike Fitzmaurice, regional vice president of the African Union’s Organisation for Transport and Logistics, said: “Zimbabwe remains calm despite calls for protests today, with the police assuring citizens that there is no unrest in the country.
“In a statement on X, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said officers are conducting patrols to maintain order, urging the public to go about their daily activities without fear.”
He said the ZRP had assured the public that the situation in the country was peaceful. As police officers conduct patrols, the public should feel free to embark on their day-to-day activities.
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), which markets an overborder corridor connecting Namibia’s most important port with copper mining clients in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, issued a statement cautioning “all transporters, freight forwarders and truck drivers travelling or intending to travel to Zimbabwe”.
The WBCG said that while the situation in Zimbabwe seemed unsafe, transport service providers were advised to consider alternative routes.
“We prioritise the safety of all esteemed stakeholders and strongly encourage them to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions during this period, which is our top priority,” said WBCG chief executive Mbahupa Tjivikua.
