Social media shutdown in Zimbabwe after protests over fuel hike

Zimbabwe’s government shut down the internet after fuel price protests turned deadly. After five people were killed in widespread protests against record high fuel prices in Zimbabwe, the country’s government responded by deploying the military and shutting down the internet.

Hundreds more were arrested as demonstrators took to the streets in the cities of Harare and Bulawayo. Burning tyres have been used to barricade roads and block bus routes.

Many protesters said the president – who left the country on Sunday for a trip to Russia and several central Asian countries – should have cancelled his trip to deal with the crisis.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the fuel price rise is aimed at tackling shortages caused by an increase in fuel use and “rampant” illegal trading. The price doubled overnight.

Zimbabwe’s government is trying to resuscitate the country’s struggling economy. [BBC]