By Staff Reporter
HARARE – THE National Patriotic Front (NPF), has criticized the current government saying that it is unconstitutional and challenged a constitutionally elected government.
In an independence congratulatory message to Zimbabwe, the NPF said the military had overthrown former president Robert Mugabe in an unconstitutional manner.
“This year’s celebrations, five months after the army grabbed power from the constitutionally elected government of our country’s founding father, President Robert Mugabe, are a double headed Janus.” reads the statement.
The party also criticized president Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for Business” saying the country should be open for business to the locals first before we look at the external world.
“Zimbabwe should be open for business, first to the locals (indigenization) before opportunities are sold out to foreigners for quick loot to line pockets of those that have been looting our diamonds, gold and platinum.” reads the statement.
The statement also highlighted that the army should not be involved in civilian politics because the army will end up turning against those it is meant to protect.
“We find ourselves, today, in an uncanny situation where those we entrusted with spears to protect the people, never turned their weapons into productive instruments for social security, but, instead, turned them into weapons of usurping power from the people, instruments of coercion not protection.” continues the statement.
NPF also claims that there were gross human rights violations during the “November coup” in its statement which read:
“As we celebrate our independence, we should be cognizant of the plight of those whose fathers, mothers, sons and daughters were killed, internally and externally displaced, raped and maimed during the November 15 2017 coup.”
NPF also highlighted that the liberation war was fought so that Zimbabweans would recognize democracy regardless of race colour or creed.
“We should remind ourselves that the liberation war was fought in order to achieve self-determination and to build a democratic country where, “black and white would enjoy together” as envisioned by General Josiah Magama Tongogara.” added the statement.
Zimbabweans were also encouraged to register and vote in the upcoming harmonised elections.
The party is believed to be strongly linked to former President Robert Mugabe and his close allies who were ousted from government last year including Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere.
