News / National
MDC-T would emulate Egypt and Libya if deemed necessary: Tsvangirai
25 Jul 2011 at 16:31hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai has said his party would emulate violent protests that toppled governments in North Africa if it deemed it necessary, Zimbabwe's Herald online reported on Monday.
Addressing his supporters at Pfupajena Stadium in Chegutu yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai, whose party has been calling for security sector reforms, said some people were blaming his party for not violently toppling the Government saying violent protests were an option.
"I want to tell foreigners who have been saying the MDC is this or that, they have to know that each struggle has its own milestones.
"Yes, those in Egypt might have gone to the city and toppled the Government while those in Libya had to take weapons, in Malawi they are in the streets. The way we fight differs because the people and the conditions in that country define each revolution.
"Hahusi umbwende hwedu isu vana veZimbabwe to choose the path we have chosen. Asi kana zvasvika nenguva yacho nemaconditions acho kana asvika pakadaro, another tactic can be employed.
"We don't want violence . . . Tisu takawanda ka nhai isu nekuwanda kwedu hatichada kurohwa asi hatidenhe vanhu," Mr Tsvangirai said.
He also urged Copac (Zimbabwe's Constitution Select Committee) to expedite the constitution-making process so that the country could have a referendum in October or November this year.
MDC-T secretary-general Mr Tendai Biti claimed that the country had never had peace since 1890.
He said the State has been sponsoring violence against its own people even up to now.
Turning to the inclusive Government, Mr Biti who is also the Finance Minister, said Zimbabwe had the potential of achieving a US$400 billion economy.
"From the experience we have gained in the inclusive Government, it's possible to build an economy worth more than US$400 billion in a few years. In 20 years we can build an economy worth more than US$100 billion. It's all about putting people first," Mr Biti said.
MDC-T national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo said the Inclusive Government was not working because the parties were enemies.
He also urged party supporters to wait for the party's guidance at referendum.
Addressing his supporters at Pfupajena Stadium in Chegutu yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai, whose party has been calling for security sector reforms, said some people were blaming his party for not violently toppling the Government saying violent protests were an option.
"I want to tell foreigners who have been saying the MDC is this or that, they have to know that each struggle has its own milestones.
"Yes, those in Egypt might have gone to the city and toppled the Government while those in Libya had to take weapons, in Malawi they are in the streets. The way we fight differs because the people and the conditions in that country define each revolution.
"Hahusi umbwende hwedu isu vana veZimbabwe to choose the path we have chosen. Asi kana zvasvika nenguva yacho nemaconditions acho kana asvika pakadaro, another tactic can be employed.
"We don't want violence . . . Tisu takawanda ka nhai isu nekuwanda kwedu hatichada kurohwa asi hatidenhe vanhu," Mr Tsvangirai said.
He also urged Copac (Zimbabwe's Constitution Select Committee) to expedite the constitution-making process so that the country could have a referendum in October or November this year.
He said the State has been sponsoring violence against its own people even up to now.
Turning to the inclusive Government, Mr Biti who is also the Finance Minister, said Zimbabwe had the potential of achieving a US$400 billion economy.
"From the experience we have gained in the inclusive Government, it's possible to build an economy worth more than US$400 billion in a few years. In 20 years we can build an economy worth more than US$100 billion. It's all about putting people first," Mr Biti said.
MDC-T national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo said the Inclusive Government was not working because the parties were enemies.
He also urged party supporters to wait for the party's guidance at referendum.
Source - TH
