Following the detention of nearly 100 activists in recent months, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa organized a national breakfast prayer meeting on Wednesday, seeking spiritual direction. The gathering at the State House included senior Zanu-PF officials, government representatives, and select religious leaders.
Recently, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere claimed that some religious leaders were collaborating with civil society groups to disrupt the government, particularly in the run-up to the 44th ordinary SADC summit of heads of state and government set for August 17 and 18.
Mnangagwa called for divine support to ensure a peaceful summit, encouraging “the church and the entire nation to consistently pray for God’s guidance to help us host the event successfully and lead with wisdom and humility in this crucial task for our country.”
He also urged that the SADC summit be approached with heightened patriotism and unity, emphasizing the significance of this event for Zimbabwe.
At the same time, certain opposition and civil society groups intended to stage demonstrations alongside the summit to express their discontent with the disputed elections from last August.
As of last month, Farai Marapira, the ruling party’s information director, stated that they were prepared to address any acts of subversion decisively, saying, “We are ready to handle any disruptive actions… firmly. We are just waiting for the go-ahead.”
In contrast, Mnangagwa adopted a more welcoming tone at the prayer meeting, stating that “hospitality to visitors throughout the summit and beyond should reflect divine love, warmth, joy, and kindness.”
This will be Zimbabwe’s fourth time hosting the summit, with previous events held on July 20, 1981; August 25, 1989; and August 17, 2014.
