President Mnangagwa posted on Facebook and Twitter from Russia saying he is saddened by reports of violence back home. He said everyone in Zimbabwe has the right to freely speak out and to criticise.
‘It’s ironic that he would say that and more so that he said so on social media when the platforms are currently blocked from access by Zimbabwe through a directive of his government.
Here is his statement:
Over the past two days, as I have been in Russia working on economic agreements that will give our economy a much needed boost, I have been deeply saddened by the events in our beloved homeland.
Violence and cynical destruction is not the Zimbabwean way. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
As I have said numerous times, everyone in Zimbabwe has the right to express themselves freely — to speak out to criticise and to protest.
Unfortunately, what we have witnessed is violence and vandalism instead of peaceful, legal protests. There can be no justification for violence, against people and property. Violence will not reform our economy. Violence will not rebuild ow nation.
What will lead to a stronger economy is investment. That is why I travelled to Moscow, and that is why I will be travelling on to other countries in the region and then the World Economic Forum in Davos.
In 48 hours in Moscow, there are signs that serious investment is on the way. Alrosa, the world’s largest diamond company, has decided to launch operations in Zimbabwe, and we have also signed a series of important agreements that will lead to investment, development and jobs.
I understand the pain and frustration that many of you are feeling. Resolving Zimbabwe’s economic challenges is a monumental task, and while it may not always feel that way, we are moving in the right direction. We will get there.
In the meantime, I call for calm and peace from all of our brothers and sisters. We are one nation, with one mission, and we will realise it together.
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7 comments
vane confusion baba ava
If we are one why the brutal killing of civilians? who gave the police go ahead it makes no sense but God is watching
Hu gave us the citizens the right to attack the police, kujaidzwa zvisina basa uko u seem to forget that a these brutes killed an officer in cold blood kumutema nema tombo motofunga kuty the were exercising their rights kupi ikoko they a re all criminals ND deserve to rot in prison
You are correct glad to see some rational voices here. These violent stayaways are not the answer to our problems
The president is right when he says we have the right to speak freely however we don’t HV the right to burn down cars ND break into shops looting ND destroying pipo’s homes
Ini handitorina zvekutaura ndingatoeonyoka pano
This is very cynical, he is using twitter to broadcast to an audience where twitter is blocked ???..I would assume it was his order to do so or he okayed it. Is he aware that some businesses that he is trying to lure to Zimbabwe use Twitter/facebook etc for business feedback/marketing/intelligence etc
I heard that last time he visited Fife Ave shops for his “public” cleanup show he spoke freely with vendors but one of them was thoroughly beaten by his soldiers as s soon as ED had left. Whoever is giving him warped feedback is not doing him any favours…..it will backfire terribly.
@panda – any comment on 6 civilians killed on 1st Aug 2018? If all life has value, then let’s even go back to Gukurahundi or beyond.
Meanwhile, the govt will raise a lot of tax with this increase in fuel prices, the question is will this money whet their appetite or expenditure will just balloon further? imho – the latter!! Until govt lives within its means nothing will rescue it from this quagmire.