UK Edition
Zimbabwe paralysed by general strike as Mugabe runs out of money
A general strike paralysed Zimbabwe on Wednesday as shops and businesses shut down, public transport came to a halt and children were turned away from school.
Across the country, people protested against President Robert Mugabe’s 36-year rule, some by staying away from work, others by blocking roads and burning tyres. Police responded by firing tear gas at any gatherings.
A spiralling economic crisis means that Zimbabwe has run out of money. The regime can no longer pay civil servants or teachers and strict limits have been imposed on the amount that ordinary people can withdraw from bank accounts.
In the past, Mr Mugabe, 92, would simply order the Reserve Bank to print money whenever his coffers were empty. But the worst hyperinflation in history forced Zimbabwe to abandon its national currency in 2009. The country now uses the US dollar – which Mr Mugabe cannot print. As a result, there is no apparent escape route from this crisis.
“We have had enough of this uncaring government and we stand in solidarity with all citizens in uniting for this cause,” said Themba Mliswa, a former MP from the ruling Zanu-PF party, who now wants Mr Mugabe to resign. "We demand all civil servants be paid immediately.”
Derek Matyszak, a lawyer and political commentator, said the strike was a "landmark”, adding that the economic crisis had created an “unprecedented level of anger”.
"People are also furious as they are not getting paid, struggling to get enough to live and they see politicians partying as if there was no tomorrow,” said Mr Matyszak.
When Mr Mugabe turned 92 in February, he celebrated with a lavish party costing the state about $1 million (£770,000).
Near the South African border, a petrol station manager said: "There is no traffic today. I have never seen anything like this before. Even the foreign trucks are staying away.”
The regime has responded to the strike with warnings of the consequences of dissent. An announcement on state television said that anyone caught sending text messages that “may be deemed to cause despondency, incite violence, threaten citizens and cause unrest" would be arrested.