HARARE – The Arsenal Fans Harare Chapter has received police clearance to hold an end-of-season parade and gathering in central Harare on May 31, celebrating the English club’s first league title in 22 years – and potentially a historic double if the Gunners beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final the night before.

A letter dated May 22 from Harare Central District Police headquarters, signed by Superintendent S. Mbimbi for the Officer Commanding Police, grants the fan group permission to march from Harare Gardens through Herbert Chitepo Street and Prince Edward Street before gathering at Alexandra Sports Club between 2PM and 5PM.

The parade will be held hours after Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final on May 30, with supporters hoping the street celebration will double as a title and cup triumph. The Gunners ended a 22-year wait for the Premier Soccer League title this season.

But rights lawyer Obey Shava, who has represented activists whose right to protest was denied, said the police clearance sat uneasily with him.

“I’m Arsenal. I should be on the streets with others, but the rights lawyer in me can’t ignore the contradiction,” he wrote on X. “I have represented many whose right to protest was denied under vague and dubious grounds. I can’t celebrate a freedom which is selectively granted by an oppressive system.”

His remarks point to a pattern critics say has become entrenched under Zimbabwe’s public order legislation, which requires organisers to notify police before any public gathering, a requirement authorities have used to routinely deny activists the right to gather or demonstrate.

The contradiction has been thrown into sharp relief in recent weeks, as police blocked events organised by the Constitutional Defenders Forum, a coalition opposing Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, legislation that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office by up to two years and replace the direct presidential vote with an electoral college system.

Activists say hearings on the bill were marred by violence, with civil society figures including Tendai Biti and Professor Lovemore Madhuku among those who have spoken out against it.

The Arsenal parade in Harare is the latest demonstration of the club’s growing global following, with similar events being held in Kenya, Uganda and elsewhere.

In Africa, the club’s popularity has grown significantly, especially across English-speaking countries. This stems from a deep historical, cultural, and emotional connection with the London club.

During Arsène Wenger’s era, Arsenal became known for embracing African talent and for fielding a team with many black players. Stars such as Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo Touré, and Emmanuel Adebayor made African fans feel seen and proud. For many supporters, Arsenal was a club where players who looked like them could shine on the biggest stage.

The club also benefited from the Premier League’s rise in popularity on African television, especially through broadcasters such as SuperSport.

From Kenyan President William Ruto, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame to British Prime Minister Kier Smarter, the late Queen Elizabeth II and even Osama bin Laden – Arsenal celebrity following has befuddled rivals, not least because of the club’s long trophy drought.

“You are left to entertain a perverse conclusion,” Janan Ganesh wrote in the Financial Times. “The lack of success over the past couple of decades was not a disadvantage. It was the making of the club.”