Political Reporter
In a move that threatens to cast a shadow over Zimbabwe's moment on the international stage, opposition youths aligned with the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa are reportedly plotting to disrupt the forthcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit scheduled to be hosted by Zimbabwe this August.
A source close to the developments has revealed plans that could potentially propel Zimbabwe into global headlines for all the wrong reasons.
According to a confidential source who spoke to our publication on condition of anonymity, a group of Harare-based youths aligned with Chamisa recently convened a meeting in Belvedere where plans to cause chaos in the country were discussed.
The source added that the meeting, chaired by one Wellington Ruzvidzo, urged youths to mobilise en masse with the aim of disrupting the summit.
"Ruzvidzo told youths that they must be prepared to take to the streets and ensure that they engage in actions to disrupt the forthcoming SADC Summit. He said that it was imperative that Zimbabwe be forced onto the agenda of the summit, keeping Nelson Chamisa's significance alive as a key opposition figure within the SADC region," said the source.
According to the source, Ruzvidzo claimed that several organisations were prepared to financially support the youths who were willing to participate in the demonstrations, making it an enticing proposition for many.
The source further disclosed that one Samuel Meso was appointed to spearhead the mobilisation efforts, with a target of rallying at least 1,000 youths to their cause.
Edith Mushore, a well-regarded political commentator, opined that such disruptive tactics are emblematic of the opposition's strategy to internationalise domestic issues.
"It's a modus operandi for the country’s opposition figures to attempt to smuggle Zimbabwe onto the agenda at international fora, aiming to portray the country as a bastion of lawlessness and human rights abuses. This plot, if true, is a direct attempt to undermine Zimbabwe's sovereignty and tarnish its image on the global stage,” Mushore explained.
The alleged demonstrations have sparked a wave of concern among political analysts and the general populace alike, raising alarm about the potential for unrest and the implications for Zimbabwe's international reputation.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the efforts of Ruzvidzo, Meso, and his followers will come to fruition or if the summit will proceed as a testament to Zimbabwe's stability and capacity to host such significant event on the international stage.
