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Protests in Zimbabwe as economic crisis worsens

People walk towards police vehicle as protesters block the main route to Zimbabwe's capital Harare from Epworth township on January 14 2019 after announced a more than hundred percent hike in fuel prices. - Angry protesters barricaded roads with burning tyres and rocks in Zimbabwe on January 14 after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in a bid to improve supplies as the country battles its worst gasoline shortages in a decade. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)

A few days after announcing plans to introduce the local Zimbabwean currency within the next 12 months,  Protests over the state of Zimbabwe’s economy broke out today in the country’s capital Harare

The protest comes two days after Zimbabwe’s president; Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a 150% increase in fuel price to contain a currency crunch

Cash shortages have taken a toll on Zimbabweans, leading to  widespread social unrest and undermining Mnangagwa’s efforts to win back foreign investors excluded  under former President, Robert Mugabe.

Angry protesters gesture as they block the main route to Zimbabwe’s capital Harare from Epworth township on January 14 2019 after government announced a more than hundred percent hike in fuel prices. –  (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)

Things might be taking a turn for the better in the next 9 months if the government successfully introduces its own currency which was abandoned in 2009 after it was wrecked by hyperinflation in favor of the dollar.

The government says the introduction of the Zimbabwean currency are part of efforts to address cash shortage in the South – African economy.

Economist say Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube must address existing loopholes if his plans to introduce a local currency within the next 12 months are to succeed,

Inflation reached 31 percent in November, its highest since 2008 when the figure hit 500 billion percent

Government negotiators are due to hold a second round of negotiations with civil service unions planning a nationwide strike from Jan. 22 to press for U.S. dollar pay.

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