Zimbabwe: Series of memorial events for opposition leader

Event

Large commemorative gatherings were held in Harare on Saturday, February 17, and Sunday, February 18, in honor of the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai; further services, including a body viewing at around 11:00 (local time) at Freedom Square, are planned in the capital for Monday. Political rallies in Harare and other cities are likely to continue on Monday. Tsvangirai's body will be returned to his home village of Buhera for burial on Tuesday, February 20. Services are slated to begin at 08:00, with burial scheduled for 14:00.

Context

Tsvangirai died of colon cancer on February 14 in neighboring South Africa, where he was receiving medical treatment; his body was returned to Harare on Saturday and was greeted by throngs of mourners. Tsvangirai had led the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party since its inception in 1999 and had long been the most potent political opponent to longtime ruler Robert Mugabe until Mugabe's ouster in 2017. Tsvangirai's death comes as the country prepares to hold its first elections since Mugabe's removal; the MDC is reportedly divided over who should take over leadership of the party. On January 24, interim President Emmerson Mnangagwa (of the ruling Zanu-PF party) announced that presidential elections will be held by July, despite having previously stated that they would be held by May or June.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, are advised to avoid large public gatherings (even those expected to remain peaceful can devolve into violence), and to monitor any local developments.