A strong security presence in several Zimbabwean cities largely neutralized a nationwide protest on Monday aimed at pressuring President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign.

Most businesses, offices and schools in the capital Harare and Bulawayo have closed due to fear of unrest, according to African News.

Veterans of the war of independence called the demonstration to protest against plans to extend Mnangagwa's rule.

In January, the ruling ZANU-PF party said it wanted him to stay in office for another two years, until 2030. Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 after his mentor and longtime president, Robert Mugabe, was ousted in a coup.

He is currently serving his second and final term as president. Veterans, led by Blessed Geza, previously supported Mnangagwa, but have turned against him, accusing him of corruption and wanting to cling to power, and want the retired general and vice-president, Constantine Chiwenga, to take over the presidency.

Chiwenga has not commented publicly on the calls for him to replace Mnangagwa and government officials deny that there is a disagreement between the two men.

African News, quoting local police, described the situation in the country on Monday as "peaceful". The police encouraged people to continue with their daily activities.

Mnangagwa and his administration have faced numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement as the country faces an economic crisis. The president has repeatedly denied that he intends to prolong his presidency, but many are still not convinced that he will step down.

Zimbabwe's 2013 constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.