MDC undeterred by government threats on protests

By Tichaona Sibanda
23 March 2006

The country’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change plans to go ahead with street protests over the government's failure to address the crumbling economy and mounting food shortages.

The government strongly warned the MDC this week that calls for civil disobedience by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai were irresponsible, and that the security forces would deal ruthlessly with any law-breakers.

News agency reports say Tsvangirai is unfazed by the government's threats, and he added that strategic planning for the mass protests, expected to be held soon, were underway.

He told IRIN; ‘What could one expect of a brutal regime such as Zanu (PF)? Since the MDC came into existence Mugabe has subjected us to all kinds of torture and his officials have even threatened to physically eliminate us. But we are not moved, and mobilisation for mass action is surely underway.’

The opposition leader urged Mugabe to abdicate power and create an environment conducive to a new dispensation. All the main Civic groups have backed Tsvangirai's call for peaceful street protests.

Public demonstrations require police permission and past attempts to mount street protests have largely flopped.