On Tuesday, 14 November 2017, the Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) addressed the nation on the situation in Zimbabwe pertaining to the alleged coup. The statement that was read out by Major General Sibusiso Busi Moyo was broadcast live on the country’s national broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
The address was to reassure the general public, businesses, civil servants, the judiciary, regional leaders as well as the international community that the action did not represent a military coup.
Major General Moyo of the Zimbabwe National Army who read out the statement and flanked by Vice Air Marshall Jacob Nzvede of Zimbabwe Air Force indicated that the military intervention was done to address the volatile political, social and economic situations that was threatening to become violent.
Below is the full statement:
FULL Statement from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)
Commander General of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), General Constantine Chiwenga in Harare, Zimbabwe, 15 November 2017. Credit: ZBC
GOOD MORNING
Fellow Zimbabweans, following the address we made on 13 November 2017 which we believe our main broadcaster, ZBC and The Herald were directed not to publicise, the situation in our country has moved to another level.
Firstly, we wish to assure the nation that His Excellency, The President, of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Head of State and Government and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde. R.G Mugabe and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed. We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.
President Robert Mugabe and First Lady Grace Mugabe during a rally a few days before military intervention, Harare, Zimbabwe. Credit: Ekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images
As soon as we have accomplished our mission we expect that the situation will return to normalcy.
Civil Servants
To the civil servants, as you are aware, there is a plan by the same individuals to influence the current purging taking place in ZANU PF to the Civil service. We are against that act of injustice and we intend to protect everyone of you against it.
Judiciary
To the judiciary, the measures underway are intended to ensure that, as an independent arm of the state, you are able to exercise your independent authority without fear of being obstructed as has been the case with this group of individuals.
Members of Parliament
To our Members of Parliament, your legislative role is of paramount importance for peace and stability in this country and it is our desire that a dispensation is created that allows you to serve your respective political constituencies according to democratic tenets.
Zimbabweans
To the generality of the people of Zimbabwe, we urge you to remain calm and limit unnecessary movement. However, we encourage those who are employed and those with essential business in the city to continue their normal activities as usual. Our wish is that you enjoy your rights and freedoms and that we return our country to a dispensation that allows for investment, development and prosperity that we all fought for and for which many of our citizens paid the supreme sacrifice.
Political Parties
To political parties, we urge you to discourage your members from engaging in violent behaviour.
Youth
To the youth, we call upon you to realize that the future of this country is yours. Do not be enticed with dirty coins of silver, be disciplined and remain committed to the ethos and values of this great nation.
Churches And Religious Organizations
To all Churches and religious organizations, we call upon you and your congregations to pray for our country and preach the gospel of love, peace, unity and development.
Zimbabweans And International Community
To both our people and the world beyond our borders, we wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover of Government. What the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is doing is to pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation in our country which if not addressed may result in violent conflict.
War Veterans
We call upon all the war veterans to play a positive role in ensuring peace, stability and unity in the country.
Defence Forces
To members of the Defence Forces: All leave is cancelled and you are all to return to your barracks with immediate effect.
Traditional Healers
To our respected Traditional leaders, you are the custodians of our culture, customs, traditions and heritage and we request you to provide leadership and direction to your communities for the sake of unity and development in our country.
Security Services
To the other Security Services, we urge you to cooperate for the good of our country. Let it be clear that we intend to address the human security threats in our country. Therefore, any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.
Media
To the media, we urge you report fairly and responsibly.
Thank you.
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