South Africa and Kenya are bracing for a tense Monday ahead of planned protests, with opposition parties in both countries requesting that people refrain from working.
Several thousand soldiers are being deployed across South Africa to help guard critical infrastructure during the planned protests.
The Economic Freedom Fighters, a radical opposition party, has called on people to boycott work and help shut down the country.
It wants South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign because of his handling of the economy.
South Africans are frustrated and angry as a result of the country’s economy, unemployment, corruption, and unending power outages.
However, it is unclear how many people will support the radical Economic Freedom Fighters’ call for a national shutdown.
According to local media in Kenya, there was a heavy presence of security officers in the capital, Nairobi, on Monday, particularly around key government buildings.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader, is planning nationwide protests against President William Ruto and his government.
Mr. Odinga says the protest will be held to protest the high cost of living and what he calls an illegitimate presidency.
Amid fears of violence, police have warned that anyone who violates the peace will face severe punishment.
President William Ruto has stated that there is no justification for the protests and has accused Mr. Odinga of threatening the country with violence and chaos.
Mr. Odinga claims they will be peaceful, despite the fact that in the past, protests have been violent.
