Protests by soldiers increases the likelihood of future widespread unrest.

According to reports on 21 January 2009, Zimbabwean soldiers have resumed spontaneous protests over the government's refusal to pay them in foreign currency. The military's low-ranking officers are staging the protests to voice their discontent over the fact that high-ranking officials are being paid in foreign currency while they are still unable to purchase basic commodities. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor Gideon Gono was the soldiers' first high profile target, as they raided his farm and stole property valued at US$787 because they were unable to withdraw their salaries from banks. The soldiers are reportedly demanding US$2,000 per month for the lowest-paid soldier. Soldiers previously went on a rampage in December 2008, attacking foreign exchange dealers and looting shops. Armed police officers have recently increased patrols in Harare to prevent similar widespread unrest.