BOCISCOZ Press Statement On Demonstrations In Zimbabwe
Monday, January 21, 2019
People arrested during protests wait to appear at the magistrate's court in Harare PIC: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters
On Monday January 14, 2019, protesters took to the streets to demonstrate and raise their concerns about the 150% increase in fuel prices announced on Saturday.
Communication with some civil society organisations in Zimbabwe, namely, Matabeleland Collective and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), reveal that the demonstrations have been met with resistance from the security forces, and have resulted in injuries, arrests and life loss of some members of the public.
It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...