To a larger extent, Zimbabweans had nothing to celebrate about on the 18th of April- Independence Day, as many people are struggling to make ends meet in a country where the president Robert Mugabe and the ruling ZANU PF party continue to suppress the ordinary man.

President Robert Mugabe

In his speech to mark 28 years of independence, Mugabe said it is not acceptable that just because people are failing to get daily requirements such as basic commodities, they then choose to vote for the opposition party.

“Back in our days, we did not know about all that. We even went for days without proper food until we got the country from the British.”

“After all, someone just comes and tries to give away the country back to former colonizers. That cannot happen,” he said.

Mugabe recently rejected the outcome of the March 29 presidential elections citing he was prejudiced. Currently, recounting is in progress in which the state says it will take longer than expected.

Last week, the aging leader emphasized children have a right to inherit a free and sovereign country and elders should not let them down by dropping their guard against imperialists.

“Today, the people of Zimbabwe have been denied a chance to celebrate their independence by an illegal regime that is denying them a chance to make sure that their gains of independence are enjoyed.”

“We are in a calamity as the people who are supposed to be celebrating are instead being beaten up by the police, the army and ZANU PF militia,” said the party.

Hundreds of innocent people including journalists are today in police custody. Homes of innocent villagers have been burnt in areas such as Mutoko, Murehwa, Chimanimani, Chipinge and Mudzi have been burnt to ashes simply because the people voted for the MDC in the last elections.

In urban areas, residents are being forced to be indoors by 8.00 pm.

The MDC adds people are now living in fear as the ZANU PF regime is using all forms of brutality in order to stay in power.

MDC's Arthur Mutambara said the 18th April should always be an opportunity for us as a nation to reflect, take stock, and define new trajectories.

“Our national institutions of governance have been rendered dysfunctional and impotent. We have had harmonized general elections, and twenty days later the results of the Presidential polls are not yet released,” he said.

“This is the state of our nation on Independence Day. It is ironic that we should be celebrating the birth of our freedom in the prevailing climate. What a travesty of justice, principle and national interest.”

“However, Zimbabwean citizens will be the key drivers of this revolution. The power is in our hands. Let us stand up and be masters of our destiny. On this occasion of our Independence Day, let us rededicate ourselves to meaningful and total political and economic independence. The people should govern. The people must prosper. We shall overcome,” concluded Mutambara.

---

Share This Story On:

Average user rating