Protest - The African Mirror

Aug

2020

Security forces head off anti-government protests in Zimbabwe

MACDONALD DZIRUTWE STREETS were deserted and businesses shut in Zimbabwe's two main cities on Friday after security forces were deployed to prevent anti-government marches called by activists over corruption and economic hardship. Protesters stayed away. Job Sikhala, an opposition lawmaker and one of the protest organisers, said the heavy security presence showed a state afraid of its citizens. He added: "Protracted demonstrations will be the way forward." He is among more than a dozen activists who are in hiding and who police say they are seeking for promoting Friday's protests. In Bulawayo and central Harare, the capital, businesses were shut…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

South African restaurants plead for end to ‘job-killing’ restrictions

NEWS

NQOBILE DLUDLA THOUSANDS of South African restaurant and bar owners placed tables and chairs on the streets outside their premises on Wednesday in a nationwide protest against lockdown restrictions that prevent them from selling alcohol or trading after 9 p.m. The nation's hospitality sector is one of the hardest-hit by government restrictions imposed at the end of March to curb the spread of the coronavirus. At the end of June, restaurants were allowed to offer sit-down services again, but at limited capacity and without serving alcohol. But that is not enough for Llewy Mateza, owner of The Local Grill in…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

What’s behind the mass protests in Mali?

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

MOHAMED SALAHA and PHILIP KLEINFELD PROTESTORS took to the streets of Mali’s capital recently for the latest in a series of mass demonstrations calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who has struggled to stem rising jihadist and inter-communal violence in northern and central parts of the country after seven years in power. Malian analysts say the protests – which began last month – represent the most serious threat 75-year-old Keita, commonly known as IBK, has faced since he was elected president a year after a military coup helped extremist groups take control of large chunks of Mali’s…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

Villagers killed in central Mali as mediators seek to restore stability

NEWS

ARMED men killed at least 12 villagers in central Mali, local officials have said, while in the capital Bamako West African mediators held talks on how to end a wave of protests against Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Several mass protests since early June have demanded Keita's resignation, accusing him, among other things, of failing to quash violence by jihadist groups and ethnic militias that has killed hundreds of civilians this year. In the latest attacks, armed men on motorbikes targeted seven villages inhabited by Dogon farmers in Mopti region, said Ali Dolo, the mayor of a nearby town. "Among…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

Tunisia protesters close main oil pumping station in the south

NEWS

TUNISIAN demonstrators shut an oil pumping station that feeds a coastal terminal on Thursday, escalating weeks of protests for jobs in the marginalized southern region of Tatouine, witnesses told Reuters. The move places further pressure on Tunisian leaders already struggling with political deadlock following the resignation on Wednesday of prime minister Elyes Fakhfakh and an attempt by several parties to oust parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi. Protesters are calling on the government to implement a 2017 deal to create jobs in oil companies and infrastructure projects to reduce unemployment now running at 30% in the region, one of the highest rates…