Zimbabwe-pastor-Evan Mawarire.
Firebrand pastor Evan Mawarire has called for another shutdown this Wednesday and Thursday, insisting the government has not yet responded to the people’s demands.
In a video posted on his Facebook page Monday morning, the pastor said, government remains adamant on the calls of the people.
“…Because of government’s failure to respond to our issues as Zimbabweans on what we are asking for on Wednesday the 13th and Thursday the 14th we are shutting Zimbabwe down again,” Mawarire declared.
The pastor added: “Commuter omnibuses on Wednesday and Thursday don’t move about, businesses close, schools we urge you to close. Families stay indoors.”
Mawarire urged Zimbabweans to shun violence and demonstrate peacefully in their homes.
“Just close everywhere, remember no violence, don’t destroy each other’s properties just stay at home. Remember pray for Zimbabwe. Hear me, if you and me don’t stand nothing will change. They must listen to us. Let us make history and make this government change,” Mawarire appealed to Zimbabweans.
Mawarire has declared to continue using nonviolent resistance until the government fires corrupt cabinet ministers, pays state workers’ salaries on time, puts an end to police roadblocks and brutality.
Mawarire also castigated the police for its brutality despite having benefited from the stay away that happened last week.
“We demonstrated in order for you the police to get your salaries and you are treating us like this no, it is not fair. It is not right and we cannot allow that,” Mawarire said.
Since July 1 demonstrations have been the order of the day in Zimbabwe, it all began with protesters forcing authorities to close the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe where property was destroyed demanding the lifting of an import ban on basic goods.
On Wednesday July 6, business came to a halt in all major cities in response to a #ShutDownZimbabwe2016 call on social media.
Schools, shops, government offices and vending markets were closed throughout the country.