By Cde Patriot Sunungura
Hear, hear, hear! True Patriots, let us rejoice,
the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has officially declared that anyone wishing to protest against the US must first secure approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Apparently, marching in solidarity with Venezuela, after the US military’s January 3 operation that whisked President Nicolás Maduro and his wife off to New York, is far too dangerous to attempt without paperwork.
The announcement came after the Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement (ZSM) filed notice to protest the recent US-led operation in Venezuela.
The ZRP, always committed to efficiency, redirected them to Foreign Affairs, apparently convinced that shouting slogans without a passport-stamped approval letter could trigger an international incident—or at least a mildly awkward phone call.
Ironically, Section 58 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to protest, now seems more like a decorative footnote in a manual on bureaucratic improvisation.
In the Second Republic, it appears only ZANU PF-approved marches, especially those supporting the 2030 agenda, enjoy the luxury of spontaneous civic expression.
Everyone else must navigate the thrilling new obstacle course of ministerial clearances.
Political analysts speculate that this marks a turning point in Zimbabwean democracy, where anti-imperialist rallies may now officially require diplomatic vetting, with Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs forming a coalition reminiscent of a painfully slow United Nations Security Council meeting.
“We want to be compliant.
“Just as long as the Foreign Affairs Minister, the embassy, and possibly even Donald Trump agree, we’re ready to march,” said one ZSM organiser. “
For ordinary Zimbabweans, the new rule offers clarity: if your protest targets America, make friends with Foreign Affairs first. If it targets local grievances, consult the Constitution at your own risk.
In short, Zimbabwe has perfected the art of protesting by proxy that loud enough to make a statement, quiet enough to not offend international relations.
Section 58 may still exist on paper, but in practice, civic expression now comes with a very polite, very official “please wait for permission” stamp.
