'Black Lives Matter' inspires similar movement in Zimbabwe, earns support from big names

In a ripple effect, Black Lives Matter movement has inspired a similar outr in Zimbabwe. On Tuesday, August 4, people protesting against ecomic turmoil, arrests, and human rights abuses in African nation moved online with  hashtag #ZimbabweanLivesMatter causing a stir on Twitter.

According to reports, online movement gained momentum after Zimbabwean forces blocked a street demonstration last week. Since renewed momentum following tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis (United States) back in May,  Black Lives Matter movement has turned into a global outr against racial injustice. 

READ: Zimbabwe Continues Arrests Of Critics, Says Opposition Party

700,000 tweets by people

According to reports, online campaign has resulted in more than 700,000 tweets on Tuesday which includes some big names from sports and celebrities in and outside of Zimbabwe.  

South Africa Rugby World Cup winner Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, who hails from Zimbabwe, pop star Cassper Nyovest and Pearl Thusi, who starred in Africa’s first Netflix film Queen So, are some of eminent personalities who have endorsed movement, according to reports. 

READ: Zimbabwe President Unapologetic About Arrests Of Critics

As per reports, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that planned street protests were an "insurrection" meant to topple his administration. He also claimed that “dark forces” within and outside country were undermining Zimbabwe's ecomic recovery. 

African nation is facing a major ecomic crisis; skyrocketing inflation has resulted in a short of food and fuel as well as loss in currency value against US dollar. Zimbabwean forces are reported to be arresting scores of opposition leaders and activists after authorities thwarted an anti-government protest last week.

READ: Police Arrest Zimbabwe Opposition MDC Spokeswoman

READ: Zimbabwe Lockdown Amid Virus And Anti-govt Protest

Im Credits: AP