By Own Correspondent| Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson has advised the Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration that blocking the internet and cracking down on civil society organisations does not address the economic challenges which triggered the violent stay away last Monday.

Robinson said Mnangagwa had failed to address the economic challenges bedevilling the Southern African nation hence had failed to restore calm and protect ordinary citizens’ rights and their livelihoods.

Said Robinson:

“The Government of Zimbabwe has conspicuously failed to address economic problems in a way that protects the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, including provision of fuel, food and medical supplies.

Closing down the internet and cracking down on civil society is not the way to restore calm; rather, President Mnangagwa needs to demonstrate inclusive and responsive leadership to try to repair social fractures.”

Lakhdar Brahimi, Elder, Algerian and UN diplomat and former member of his country’s liberation movement, said Zimbabweans have endured seeing the promises of the liberation struggle being betrayed.

He said Zimbabweans deserve better than what they now endure under the Zanu-PF regime.

Said Brahimi:

“The people of Zimbabwe have endured terrible suffering for decades, from colonial oppression to seeing the promises of the liberation struggle betrayed. They deserve better than the injustice and rampant corruption they now endure. The international community, including SADC leaders, must also stand by them and offer meaningful support for a true democratic transition.”