MDC-T says security forces must now return to their barracks if Mnangagwa really wants to walk his talk

Opposition political parties have been deliberately denied access to State – controlled print and electronic media and we honestly hope and trust that the Mnangagwa Presidency will usher in a more democratic and tolerant trajectory that firmly abides by all the dictates of the supreme law of the land. We now look forward to the creation of a policy framework that will, inter alia, create provincial and metropolitan councils, in tandem with the provisions of our national constitution.

In addition, we also look forward to the thorough investigation of circumstances surrounding the abduction of human rights activists such as Itai Dzamara and several others who have disappeared without trace over the years.

The MDC is not going to be impressed by mere talk that is not backed by concrete action. Indeed, action speaks louder than words. We also look forward to the release of political prisoners such as Yvonne Musarurwa, Last Maengehama and Tungamirai Madzokere. These three MDC cadres were incarcerated after being convicted of murder in a politically–biased judicial process by the High Court of Zimbabwe. Perpetrators of politically – motived crimes that were committed over the years, particularly the heinous murders and other sordid acts of criminality that were committed during the violent Presidential election run–off of June 2008, should also be brought to book. It is only when this happens that we will begin to believe and accept that President Mnangagwa was indeed genuine when he talked about peace and stability of the nation in his inauguration speech.

Corruption in both the public and private sectors is literally bleeding the national economy dry. There are several crooks and other high level criminals amongst Cabinet Ministers and politically well – connected individuals in the country, across the political divide. These social miscreants and political wheeler dealers should be promptly brought to book if President Mnangagwa’s call for the fight against corruption is to be taken seriously. If this doesn’t happen soon, we will conclude that the new President was simply politicking when he referred to the fight against corruption in his inauguration speech.

The MDC also needs afirm and unequivocal re-assurance that the security services, particularly the Zimbabwe National Army, shall promptly be returning to their barracks and that never again will they play an active role in determining who rules the country.

Henceforth, the security services should be confined to their duties as provided for in Section 212 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Put bluntly, the security services should never, ever be active political players going forward.

MDC: Equal Opportunities for All
Obert Chaurura Gutu
MDC National Spokesperson

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