MDC resolves to dialogue with Mnangagwa

Opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa met on Wednesday and resolved to engage in a dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa towards resolving the economic crisis bedevilling the country.

In a statement by MDC Spokesperson Jacob Mafume, the party said, "The leadership met for six hours today and noted the continued suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans due to the non-performing economy and failure to deliver by Mr Mnangagwa's administration.

"The Party remains committed to a process of genuine dialogue to resolve the multi-layered crisis currently confronting the people of Zimbabwe. The Party believes that genuine dialogue is in the interest of all Zimbabweans. Genuine dialogue must be solely intended to resolve the various challenges facing the people and not to hoodwink the region and the international community that there is a sincere national conversation taking place in the country."

MDC, however, maintained its stance that dialogue must be convened by a neutral person who is credible.
 
"The leadership, however, restated the position that the MDC will only take part in a dialogue that is presided over by a credible, independent, mutually acceptable mediator/convener. It is only under such a convener that an agenda can be adopted and a sincere dialogue process begins to unlock the challenges affecting ordinary Zimbabweans.

"There cannot be genuine dialogue in the current environment of systematic violence, intimidation of human rights defenders and contrived convictions. The party leadership noted with concern the slow genocidal campaign in the countryside, especially in the urban areas. There has to be an immediate cessation of the current clampdown to create a conducive environment for a sincere national conversation."

MDC said it also noted with concern the public expression by Mnangagwa that sells him out as a person who is not ready for dialogue.

"The MDC notes with concern Mr Mnangagwa's lack of sincerity to have genuine dialogue to resolve the challenges facing the people of Zimbabwe. He has shown little interest in dialogue with his body language clearly showing he is not ready and willing to find a lasting solution to the crisis.  
 
"Zanu PF's lack of sincerity around dialogue manifests itself in the monologues currently taking place in which Zanu PF is speaking to like-minded individuals and institutions."