Zimbabweans take to the streets over rising cost of living

Growing tired of chronic economic hardships, hundreds of Zimbabweans took to the streets of Harare Monday, protesting an increase in the price of fuel.

The protesters said they wanted to force the government to address Zimbabwe’s moribund economy.

Simbai Rice, one of the demonstrators, said the administration has failed to address increasing shortages of cash and basic food items.

He said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had promised to rescue the situation when he took over from Robert Mugabe in November 2017.

“The economy is off the rails. I wish the leaders would address the economy, especially fuel prices and for basic commodities, they should come down. People are not happy.

“My bus fare is now $5 from $1. I am now going on foot. If there is a way, he must return today and solve this,” Rice said.

President Mnangagwa left Zimbabwe Monday to visit Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Azerbaijan.

He is expected to return home after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The forum takes place January 22-25.