Movement for Democratic Change  (MDC) party – the leading opposition force in Zimbabwe gave up to government pressure, calling off a street protest planned for August 16. 

The of street demonstrations scheduled by the MDC, which accuses the government of corruption and economic mismanagement, are viewed as a screening of President Emmerson Mnangagwa  disposition toward dissent in view of the Zimbabwe legacy of repressions of democratic political competition. 

However the police did not allow the “examination” to take place,  banning the protest foreseen in the capital Harare, explaining it would turn violent, and warned that anyone taking part would be committing a crime.

A High Court judge early on August 16 dismissed the MDC complaint with a demand to overturn that ban, and the party spokesman Daniel Molokele said the Movement will proceed with the scheduled demonstration.

At the moment there in no information about cancellation of protests planned next week in other cities, presumably they would go ahead.

“The Government of Zimbabwe must do more to deliver the promised fundamental political and economic reforms and take responsibility for the humanitarian crisis affecting the people. The UK stands with the people of Zimbabwe at a time when million are at risk of starvation and diseases. Through trusted partners we will continue to give families access to food and clean water and support children to gain a decent education,” said Alok Sharma, the United Kingdom International Development Secretary.

Following a United Nations appeal concerning Zimbabwe, facing a chronic food crisis, Mr.Sharma has announced an allocation of a £49 million UKAID Fund which is meant to support and help malnourished children, families and communities.

Without  support from outside the country more than 5, 5 million people in Zimbabwe will be deprived of food by 2020, according the the latest estimates.