Ten years ago, on September 11 to be specific, a political baby, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was born in Zimbabwe. Turning 10 this year and making early celebrations in Gweru, the country’s third largest city and heart of the country, yesterday, Morgan Tsvangirai, the president of the party and Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister in the inclusive government addressing about 10,000 of his supporters at Mkoba stadium, said the new government loses credibility if people are randomly detained in prison.
“On the issue of detainees, including that of Roy Bennett we are saying as government if we are to free people but then detain them then the government loses credibility. We are concerned about that and we will deal with the issue.”
Bennett, who is the MDC choice to deputise the Agriculture portfolio, was arrested on February 13 on charges of banditry, terrorism and sabotage. He joins MDC and human rights activists incarcerated in prison since last year.
Tsvangirai, who joined the government of national unity with long time political rival, 85-year-old Robert Mugabe of Zanu PF, says the new government must “restore people’s freedom” and open up space for people to freely express themselves.
“This transitional government must restore people’s freedom. People must be free to associate, free to express themselves and then we can be free as Zimbabweans. So all those factors inhibiting us to be free should be removed,” says Tsvangirai.
The MDC leader, who faced arrests and beating from the police, believes there is need for forgiveness if the country is to move forward.
“This nation needs national healing. It’s time for everyone to forgive those who trespassed against us. If there is no national healing, there is no progress. I appeal to all Zimbabweans from the bottom of my heart, we should heal the nation.”
Tsvangirai appealed to Zimbabweans s to support the unity government saying it is the “only way out”.
“To the people of Zimbabwe, I say we will do everything honestly and in transparency. We want you to support us. It is the only workable process.”
Zimbabwe whose economy has been on a downturn for almost a decade now needs international support to get back to its glory and the Prime Minister urged the West to assist saying the situation in the Southern African country is “dire”
“Be in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe..The transitional government is the only way out, please support us in this endeavor.”
