Government bans MDC march

The government banned a march that was planned by the Movement for Democratic Change to protest against the government’s refusal to implement a new constitution before the 2008 elections and to postpone the election date from March.

MDC secretary-general Tendai Biti said the party would go ahead with the march.

Police had initially approved the march but rescinded their decision saying opposition leaders had violated a pledge to ensure that the march would be peaceful.

Full cable:

Viewing cable 08HARARE42, GOZ BANS MDC MARCH; MDC PLANS TO GO AHEAD

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O 221409Z JAN 08

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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2406

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TAGS: ASEC CASC PGOV ZI

SUBJECT: GOZ BANS MDC MARCH; MDC PLANS TO GO AHEAD

¶1. (U) After granting written permission on January 18 for

an MDC march on Wendesday, planned to protest the GOZ’s

refusal to implement a new constitution before elections and

to postpone the electiond date, police yesterday rescinded

approval. Police justified their action by claiming

opposition leaders had violated a pledge to ensure the march

remained peaceful. In a press conference later in the day,

MDC (Tsvangirai faction) secretary general Tendai Biti vowed

the march would proceed despite the order banning it.

¶2. (U) Comment. The planned demonstration is part of series

of rallies the MDC hopes to hold over the coming weeks. On

Sunday, a rally in the high-density suburb of Highfield drew

over 10,000 people and the MDC was hoping for much greater

numbers on Wednesday. The government ban and past government

action in violently suppressing MDC rallies is likely to

deter people from participating on Wednesday. Additionally,

police will undoubtedly stop people from traveling from high

density suburbs to the city center where the march is

supposed to begin.

¶3. (SBU) Comment continued. The GOZ’s action defies the

spirit of the SADC negotiations by closing rather than

opening democratic space. If the government uses violence

against marchers, this will be a clear signal it intends to

perpetuate ZANU-PF rule at all costs, and that it considers

SADC irrelevant. On the other side, the number of MDC

members who participate will be a test of MDC organization

and whether the MDC is prepared to defy government

repression. End Comment

MCGEE

(40 VIEWS)