Tsvangirai’s MDC backs protests

By Mugove Tafirenyika and Blessings Mashaya

The MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai has backed the ongoing wave of protests against President Robert Mugabe vowing to assume the lead in a major demonstration set for tomorrow.

There was total chaos in Harare as disgruntled commuter omnibus operators joined hands with the masses fighting running battles with law enforcement agents.

Addressing the media at the party headquarters yesterday MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said it was the people’s expectations that the main opposition party would take a leading role after recently holding public demonstrations in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.

“People are looking upon us as MDC to lead them on Wednesday and we are going to support our people as long as the demonstrations are peaceful,” Gutu said warning government “not to resort to brute force as that would exacerbate an already volatile situation”.

“We have got a roll-out programme for all the provinces while in the meantime we will support every march, every petition and every demonstration aimed at exposing this government for failing to resolve the burgeoning national crisis.

“We are heartened by the fact that some civic organisations are planning for action on the 6th of July, 2016. We totally support that endeavour”.

The MDC also called on Mugabe to resign saying his continued stay in power was worsening the crisis in the country.

The party also called for Sadc’s urgent intervention as “Zimbabwe is burning and the region cannot fold its hands while the situation is worsening in a member State. The situation in the cities, towns and in the villages points to a failed government.

“These pop-corn demonstrations and protests sprouting everywhere and that are engulfing our cities and towns are symptomatic of grave national grievances that remain unresolved.

“Three years ago, Zanu PF campaigned on a cheap message, Bhora Mugedhi.

“What Zimbabweans are simply doing now through their various actions is to retrieve that ball from the nets of poverty and demanding that the nation begins this game afresh by steering the country back to legitimacy through a free and fair election and put in office a legitimate government that will address their grievances.

“The demonstrations currently happening are part of the national desire for Operation Bhora Pacentre.

“Indeed, Zimbabweans want a fresh start, a fresh beginning under a legitimate government,” Gutu said.

He reiterated that it is the right of all citizens to, under the present circumstances, demonstrate and petition as enshrined in section 59 of the country’s Constitution.

“Zimbabwe is burning. Every sector of the economy is bleeding and only today, commuters and commuter operators in various parts of Harare exercised their constitutional right by demonstrating against the many roadblocks that in essence are State-sanctioned outposts of corruption.

“Zimbabweans themselves are putting this regime on notice and something huge will give if national grievances are not addressed.

“Civil servants have no pay, Zimbabweans are starving, and corruption is rampant in all sectors of the economy.

“As a party, we urge all our members to join any legitimate demonstration that is meant to bring pressure on this regime.

“On our part, we shall continue to mobilise Zimbabweans against this government, which must resign because it has failed the people.

“Peaceful demonstrations must continue. They are a constitutional right of the people of Zimbabwe”. Daily News