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Zimbabwe's President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has announced that he will investigate the wrongdoings committed by security forces as a result of the brutal crackdown on protests at the national level.
The president interrupted a tour abroad and returned to Harare Monday night to face the crisis.
Police and soldiers last week launched a large-scale operation against the alleged protesters, activists and organizers of the strike, triggered by a sharp rise in the price of gasoline.
Mnangagwa m said the security forces' misconduct towards the protesters would be investigated, but he added that the rise in the price of gasoline was the right thing to do.
"The violence or misconduct of our security forces is unacceptable and constitutes a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe," Mnangagwa wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
I invite leaders from all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to put aside their differences and come together. What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let's start a national dialogue. Let's put the economy first. Let's put people first 4/4
– President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) January 22, 2019
"Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated, wrongdoings will be investigated, if necessary, heads will fall," said Mnangagwa, calling for a "national dialogue" on the demonstrations.
He also criticized the protesters.
"Everyone has the right to protest, but it was not a peaceful protest," said Mnangagwa on Tuesday, stressing "unjustified violence and cynical destruction."
At least 12 people were killed and 78 were treated for gunshot wounds, according to the NGO forum for human rights in Zimbabwe, which has recorded more than 240 badaults and torture. About 700 people were arrested.
Some people were reportedly stalked by security forces and severely beaten. Some said the arrests were continuing even after the return of Mnangagwa.
Reports indicate a "total internet closure" on Friday in what critics have called an attempt by the Mnangagwa government to prevent the crackdown on a crackdown on security in the country. world.
The Harare High Court on Monday ruled that the government did not have the power to order the closure of the Internet, imposed by protests across the country.
Economic crisis
Zimbabwe is going through its worst economic crisis in a decade. With few cash reserves, the country of southern Africa is facing severe fuel shortages.
The government announced a 150% increase from $ 1.34 per liter of gasoline to $ 3.31, while diesel rose to $ 3.11 per liter, causing widespread discontent and violent demonstrations. .
Mnangagwa flew to Russia soon after making this announcement in a televised speech to the nation.
Accused of conducting a deadly crackdown on dissent, the army and the police denied any wrongdoing, claiming that some of the attackers who searched houses were wearing official uniforms posing as security guards. .
The UN has sharply criticized the government's response to protests, allegations of gunfire, beatings and kidnappings of opposition figures, activists and ordinary residents growing in numbers.
Jacob Mafume, a spokesman for the opposition party MDC, said that there was an urgent need for dialogue.
"The arrest of union leaders and opposition members is a familiar scenario in Africa, and we called for dialogue until our voices were hoarse but ignored," Mafume said.
Mnangagwa, seeking much-needed foreign investment during his tour, canceled his intention to attend the World Economic Forum of world leaders in Davos, Switzerland this week.
He traveled to Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan before stopping his trip on Monday night.
Mnangagwa, 76, promised a fresh start for the country when he took office in November 2017, following the overthrow of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, with a coup by the military state.
But Zimbabweans say they have found little evidence of the promised economic recovery or increased political freedom.
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