Zimbabwe Republic Police have stopped a planned march in solidarity with Venezuela by a local civic political grouping, insisting organisers must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade before proceeding.
The proposed procession, organised by the Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement, was scheduled for 3 February 2026 and was intended to culminate in the delivery of a petition at the United States Embassy in Harare.
In correspondence to ZSM convener Obert Masaraure, police confirmed receipt of the group’s notice of intention to demonstrate but said the activity could not go ahead without clearance from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
"You are hereby requested to first seek permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and furnish this office with the response,” wrote Chief Superintendent Officer Commanding Police Mugarameno.
ZSM rejected the directive, arguing that the march falls within constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
Masaraure said the group would proceed regardless of the police position.
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“The working people will march to the US Embassy and hand in a petition. We stand in unshaken solidarity with the working people of Venezuela,” he said.
He accused Zimbabwean authorities of acting in the interests of external powers, saying, “The comprador bourgeois in Zimbabwe, which is clearly in bed with the imperialist forces, won’t stand in our way.”
The attempted march comes against the backdrop of escalating international tensions following United States military action in Venezuela in early January, which resulted in the arrest and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to the US to face criminal charges.
Zimbabwe has not issued a direct condemnation of the operation, instead aligning its position with multilateral calls from international bodies emphasising sovereignty, non-interference and adherence to international law.
Venezuela continues to face severe humanitarian and economic challenges, with widespread shortages of basic goods and services, conditions that have sparked global solidarity actions and political debate.
Police have not indicated what action would be taken should the organisers proceed without the requested clearance.
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