PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned that heads and will roll over to the violence which rocked Zimbabwe following nationwide protests by pro-democracy groups and labour unions last week.<\/p>\n
In a statement on his Twitter page hours after returning home from a four-nation tour of Eurasia was cut short by the instability in the country Mnangagwa said the reaction by the security services to the violent protests that left some 12 people dead was unacceptable.<\/p>\n
The protests were triggered by a massive fuel price hike that had a domino effect on other goods and services across the country, but the President said he had been aware his decision would be unpopular.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne week ago, I announced measures to stabilise our nation\u2019s crucial fuel supply. I was aware that these measures may not be popular, and this was not a decision we took lightly. But it was the right thing to do,\u201d said Mnangagwa.<\/p>\n
Amid global condemnation of the actions of the military which follows another deadly crackdown on August 1 2018 that left half a dozen people dead, Mnangagwa appeared intent on a pacification exercise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat followed was regrettable and tragic. Everyone has the right to protest, but this was not a peaceful protest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWanton violence and cynical destruction; looting police stations, stealing guns and uniforms; incitement and threats of violence. This is not the Zimbabwean way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Protesters burnt down police and fuel stations as well as other infrastructure, but the military reacted with brute force which the Zanu PF leader said was a betrayal of his new vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cLikewise, violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
\u201cChaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n
While Mnangagwa has previously rejected opposition calls for dialogue, the statement suggested a shift on his part.<\/p>\n
\u201cI invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let\u2019s begin a national dialogue. Let\u2019s put the economy first. Let\u2019s put the people,\u201d said Mnangagwa.<\/p>\n
Cycles of state-sponsored violence have become a common feature in Zimbabwe\u2019s political landscape and Mnangagwa seems to be following his predecessor former President Robert Mugabe\u2019s beaten path.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned that heads and will roll over to the violence which rocked Zimbabwe following nationwide protests by pro-democracy groups and labour unions last week. In a statement on his Twitter page hours after returning home from a four-nation tour of Eurasia was cut short by the instability in the country Mnangagwa […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":2274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,12],"tags":[331,55,124,111],"class_list":{"0":"post-2265","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-all-news","8":"category-policy","9":"tag-army","10":"tag-government","11":"tag-military","12":"tag-politics"},"yoast_head":"\n