Harare warns MDC protesters
ZIMBABWE’S government warned the main opposition against violent conduct during tomorrow’s street protests against the worsening economic situation.
The demonstrations, arranged by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance, are also a desperate push by the party for a power-sharing deal with the ruling Zanu-PF, which the former claimed rigged the July 30 elections.
The government has warned the MDC Alliance to take responsibility for the conduct of its supporters.
The warning comes after the military shot dead six civilians during protests that followed the elections.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba advised the protesters to avoid the State House, the official residence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The State House is among places protected by law. You can’t violate those places.
“There is a difference between expressing your grievance and violating the law,” Charamba said.
He said the MDC-Alliance would be held accountable for any property destruction or human loss.
Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema said security measures were tightened to curtail breakdown of order.
MDC-Alliance spokesperson Jacob Mafume confirmed the protests would go ahead.
“A demonstration is an inalienable right. Doing a legitimate thing can never be a cause of illegality.
“We will go ahead with the demonstration,” Mafume said.
International media this past weekend quoted MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa saying the party would call for the formation of a transitional government.
A government of national unity created in 2009 between then-president Robert Mugabe and the opposition brought some economic normalcy to the troubled country. |