Mnangagwa warns of ‘dark forces’ amid crackdown
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa called for patriotism and unity in a televised address on Tuesday.
This comes as Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said it had represented more than 20 people arrested since last week when authorities thwarted anti-government protests that had been scheduled for last Friday.
The protests had been called by opposition politician Jacob Ngarivhume, head of a small party called Transform Zimbabwe, against alleged state corruption and the country's slumping economy.
Police banned the protests and government described them as an "insurrection".
In his address Mnangagwa referred to “divisive politics of some opposition elements".
"Our goal remains clear and stable, this is the goal of peace, stability, unity, development progress and prosperity,” he said.
“Although our progress has been slowed down, rest assured that we shall achieve our objectives. We will overcome and we will defeat the attack and stop the bleeding of our economy.”
Mnangagwa believes there are “dark forces” attempting to destabilise the country.
"We will overcome attempts at distabilisation of our society by a few rogue Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign distractors.
"The dark forces both inside and outside our borders have tampered with our growth and prosperity for too long. They have thrived on dividing. Let us embrace the call for patriotism, hard work , transparency, accountability, love, unity and peace now it is the time to embrace opportunities before us with optimism and determination to transform our society.”
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Hopewell Chin'ono and Jacob Ngarivhume were arrested on Monday and charged with inciting public violence for their role in organising anti-government protests slated for July 31. Ngarivhume - head of a small party named Transform Zimbabwe - had called for nationwide protests against alleged state corruption and the country's ailing economy.
