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 of 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.
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| Full Text: President Mnangagwa Speaks On The Shutdown Zimbabwe Protests. Uses Blocked Social Media |
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.
