By Own Correspondent| The Citizens’ Manifesto has called on the Goverment to recognize the economic emergency situation in the country calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to immediately commence an Inclusive All Stakeholders National Dialogue to work out a solution that works for all.

Said the Citizen’s Manifesto Convenor Briggs Bomba in a statement:

Citizens’ Manifesto Solidarity Statement on the ARTUZ Economic Justice Salary Protest

Today, 7 January 2018, rural teachers under the banner of Almagamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) commenced the “Economic Justice Salary Camp” with a gathering at Africa Unity square and an intended march to camp at Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube’s offices demanding US dollar salaries and improved working conditions.

Citizens’ Manifesto condemns the high handed response by the Zimbabawe Republic Police, who deployed heavily in an attempt to intimidate and harrass teachers who are only peacefully exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to protest.

The ZRP went on to disrupt the teachers’ march to Mthuli Ncube’s offices and arrested 11 ARTUZ union leaders.

This development flies in the face of a recent ruling by the Harare Magistrates Court that affirmed the workers’ unions’ right to gather and protest.

Citizens Manifesto calls for the immediate release of the arrested teachers and for the government to urgently engage the justified salary demands by teachers, nurses, doctors and other civil servants.

Furthermore, Citizens’ Manifesto calls on the Goverment to recognize the Economic Emergency situation in the country and immediately commence an Inclusive All Stakeholders National Dialogue to work out a solution that works for all. The country risks plunging into total chaos if the government continues to ignore the unbearable pain and suffering faced by the majority of citizens.

#TheYearoftheCitizens
#GoreRevanhu
#UmnyakaKaZulu

#SununguraZimbabwe!

Briggs Bomba
Convener
Citizens’ Manifesto