Zimbabwe protests: Is Mnangagwa more of the same? | The Stream

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to investigate a wide-ranging crackdown on anti-government protests in which local rights groups say at least 12 people have been killed and hundreds rounded up. The protests, sparked by a hike in fuel costs, began almost two weeks ago and prompted a nationwide shutdown during which the government blocked internet access – a move reversed on Monday by the high court. Mnangagwa, who cut short a foreign tour to return to the country, defended the decision to increase fuel prices on Twitter. While pledging a probe of the security forces he also criticised the demonstrations, calling them violent. Before winning a disputed election in July, Mnangagwa - once a close ally of former President Robert Mugabe - had promised a clean break from the governing style of Mugabe, who was often accused of authoritarianism and stifling dissent. Mnangagwa's opponents, though, say they have seen little evidence of a promised economic revival or increased political freedoms. In this episode, The Stream asks a panel of Zimbabweans where the country is headed. Join the conversation: TWITTER:   / ajstream   FACEBOOK:   / ajstream   GOOGLE+: http://google.com/+TheStream Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe #aljazeeraenglish #ajstream #zimbabwe