Thousands of MDC supporters on Thursday braved police intimidation and marched through the capital Harare demanding that President Robert Mugabe step down from power amid a worsening economic and political crisis.
Former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai again demonstrated his pulling power by leading from the front and drawing an unexpectedly large crowd given previous efforts by brutal riot police to suppress opposition protests.
“Mugabe has no solution to the crisis,” Tsvangirai said in a brief speech to supporters gathered in Africa Unity Square wearing T-shirts in the party’s red colours.
“We are here to tell Mugabe and his regime that you have failed.
“We are not demanding an overthrow of the government… We are demanding a dignified exit for the tired Mugabe.
“It’s time Mugabe listens to the voice of the people. The people shall liberate themselves.”
The demonstration had looked in doubt after the police sought to block it but the opposition party filed an urgent application in the High Court. A judge yesterday ruled that the march could go ahead and the police were ordered to pay the costs of the application.
MDC spokesperson, Obert Gutu said their demonstration was meant to force government to honour its 2013 pre-election pledge to create two million jobs and restore economic stability. “They promised to create 2,2 million jobs, but so far, they have successfully managed to create two million loafers and vendors.
“At least four million Zimbabweans are facing the horrifying spectre of starvation if they are not provided with immediate and urgent food relief. We are demonstrating against the unlawful and inhuman practice of abusing and misusing food aid as a tool for political patronage and manipulation,” he added.
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