President Emmerson Mnangagwa today called for a national dialogue on Zimbabwe. It is something that already has been viewed as the way forward to resolve economic issues by civil society and religious groups in the country.
The invitation of a national dialogue comes after a series of civil unrest that rocked Zimbabwe. Following the fuel price hikes announced by the country’s leader before leaving for a Eurasia business tour last week.
“I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together,” the president said on Twitter.
“What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let’s begin a national dialogue. Let’s put the economy first. Let’s put the people first.”
Civil society organizations and religious groups in the country have been calling for a national dialogue as a way of addressing the economic challenges facing Zimbabwe.
A social and economic justice group, the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) said in as much as the current policies are informed by Austerity for Prosperity, the government must seriously consider national dialogue to ensure economic growth does not leave many people behind and that the provision of oil does not create turmoil.
“Citizenry participation in economic policy formulation processes is a huge investment in national development and stability,” ZIMCODD alluded.
The government, through the Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube, in October introduced austerity measures to drive Zimbabwe into a Middle- income country by 2030.
Heal Zimbabwe Trust, an organization for peace, also called for a national dialogue to arrest the obtaining dire economic situation and looming political turmoil in Zimbabwe.
“The current economic crisis and political circumstances in the country are ominous and puts the country on the verge of civil unrest,” Heal Zimbabwe said in a statement.
“Both the Citizens and the Government of Zimbabwe will not benefit from the imminent civil unrest, hence the pressing need to convene a national dialogue to avert the crisis.”
“These and other indications clearly spell out a national tragedy which all Zimbabwean citizens, including workers, the church, political parties and the Government among other stakeholders must unite to avert,” the trust went on.
Vice president of Zimbabwe’s opposition Morgen Komichi in a press conference today, however, said dialogue needs people that are serious and really wish to get a solution.
“In the world over so many dialogues have been held, agreements have been signed, but less than 40 percent of those agreements have been fulfilled. What I am trying to say is that, if the President is serious about dialogue, he must be committed to resolve the problems with the people.,” Komichi said.
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