A prominent Zimbabwe war veterans’ leader Blessed Geza has called for a nationwide shutdown next week, demanding the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Blessed Runesu Geza, who now leads a faction of former liberation fighters, announced the protest action for 22 and 23 April amid deepening political and economic dissatisfaction in the southern African nation.

“We can’t continue suffering in silence,” Mr Geza said during an online address. “The time has come for every citizen to rise and demand change.”

Security forces have been placed on high alert, with increased police presence reported in major urban centres, though the government has publicly downplayed the planned demonstrations.

Mr Geza has emerged as the public face of what analysts describe as a growing military-aligned faction within the ruling ZANU-PF party, reportedly loyal to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.

The war veterans’ leader has accused President Mnangagwa of corruption and attempting to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.

Once a member of ZANU-PF’s Central Committee, Mr Geza was expelled from the party and now faces multiple criminal charges. He remains in hiding while continuing to rally support through online platforms and underground networks.

His calls for protest have gained traction among disaffected war veterans, unemployed youth and civil servants frustrated by Zimbabwe’s economic instability and rising living costs.

The planned shutdown adds to mounting political uncertainty in Zimbabwe as divisions within the ruling party deepen following Robert Mugabe’s departure from power in 2017.