The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa today issued a statement via social media, responding to the violent protests that engulfed Zimbabwe on Monday 14 January 2019, and the tight clampdown by the security forces and stay away that followed.
The president said that it is important for him to be away from Zimbabwe as he’s working to ensure that Zimbabwe gets investment. He also said that progress may not be visible to everyone but it is being made. He also said that Zimbabweans are free to express themselves and protest but should not do so violently.
Said the 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.
Ironically, the president used social media platforms Twitter and Facebook, despite the two platforms being currently blocked in the country.
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We thank you my father of the country
Willard i feel sorry for you, ur parents, ur children, & everyone else around u.mxm
So hw does he post his speech on FB wn social media wn they blocked it ..means the target of the speech isnt the pple of Zim ..bt international community ..window dressing ..
Why doesnt he start by getting a refund for chartered jet n return home to address issues of concern n downsize the over staffed government offices.
Looks a wrongly timed state visit and a mere loss of strategic resources that could be otherwise more progressively. at any rate Presidential juniors could have been sent if it all..or else it remains a massively questionable venture.
I for one think the president has gone nuts. He knows everyone hates him still he continues to lie to us and plan on staying as a president. For as long as he is a president we will have no peace
some times if you want to be a president, go to school first. such measures taken by Mnangagwa shows he dosen’t go to school anymore. Those degrees he have, he had given by Mgabe.
The statement calls for several comments.
“Violence and destruction is not the Zimbabwean way”
Nor is blatant disregard for the suffering povo. (Think of the unnecessary money spent – chartering a luxury aircraft; the size of the delegation and the iniquitous daily allowance to each delegate; the $4M (if true) paid for Mugabe’s medical expenses; think of the demands made by patrliamentarians for luxury, top-or-the-range 4X4s…. the list is endless.
The military and police are supposed to be disciplined units. Yet they are wantonly beating people. This behaviour is not only Not Zimbabwean, it is against universal military and security codes of conduct.
Mr President, the people of Zimbabwe deserve better and are insulted by your comments.
pamberi neZanu