News / National
Sikhala movement gains traction
01 Jun 2024 at 13:10hrs | Views
The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), led by opposition politician Job Sikhala, has pledged to organize mass protests against President Mnangagwa's attempt to secure an unconstitutional third term in office.
The Zimbabwean Constitution limits a president to two five-year terms, making this Mnangagwa's final term. However, there have been increasing calls among his Zanu-PF supporters for an extension, with the slogan "2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo (Mnangagwa will still be in office in 2030)" gaining popularity at party events.
Mnangagwa has dismissed any ambitions for a third term, stating he will abide by the Constitution. Nonetheless, there are concerns that the ruling party might amend the Constitution to allow him another term.
NDWG Secretary General Gerald Tavengwa accused Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF of overseeing a declining economy and committing human rights abuses.
"The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) is appalled by the deteriorating living conditions of ordinary Zimbabweans, worsened by the economic austerity measures and human rights abuses of the Zanu-PF regime. It is surprising that citizens have remained silent in the face of repression and extortion, despite the Constitution of Zimbabwe guaranteeing the right to freedom of assembly and demonstration," Tavengwa said in a statement.
He continued, "At a time of our choosing, we will call for peaceful protests and mass action to demand justice, equality, and freedom. We will not be swayed by the cowardice of others, nor will we be deterred by the regime's threats and violence. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better, and we will fight for a brighter future.
"Let the regime and its apologists be warned: the people will not be silenced forever. We will rise and demand justice, equality, and freedom."
The Zimbabwean Constitution limits a president to two five-year terms, making this Mnangagwa's final term. However, there have been increasing calls among his Zanu-PF supporters for an extension, with the slogan "2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo (Mnangagwa will still be in office in 2030)" gaining popularity at party events.
Mnangagwa has dismissed any ambitions for a third term, stating he will abide by the Constitution. Nonetheless, there are concerns that the ruling party might amend the Constitution to allow him another term.
NDWG Secretary General Gerald Tavengwa accused Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF of overseeing a declining economy and committing human rights abuses.
"The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) is appalled by the deteriorating living conditions of ordinary Zimbabweans, worsened by the economic austerity measures and human rights abuses of the Zanu-PF regime. It is surprising that citizens have remained silent in the face of repression and extortion, despite the Constitution of Zimbabwe guaranteeing the right to freedom of assembly and demonstration," Tavengwa said in a statement.
He continued, "At a time of our choosing, we will call for peaceful protests and mass action to demand justice, equality, and freedom. We will not be swayed by the cowardice of others, nor will we be deterred by the regime's threats and violence. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better, and we will fight for a brighter future.
"Let the regime and its apologists be warned: the people will not be silenced forever. We will rise and demand justice, equality, and freedom."
Source - newzimbabwe
