Former ZANU PF youth league political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu said it is unfortunate that the government has resorted to crushing dissenting voices and calling them terrorists and dark forces instead of engaging them and listening to their concerns.
Speaking to the Daily News on Monday from his hideout, Tsenengamu, who now leads the anti-corruption pressure group, the Front for Economic Emancipation (FEE) said inclusive dialogue is the only sustainable way. Said Tsenengamu:
It is very unfortunate that authorities have decided to descend heavily on citizens for speaking out. I thought they would engage with citizens and hear out their concerns, but sadly we are being treated like terrorists.
I think the authorities must reconsider their position on dissenting voices. That is the only sustainable way to address this.
In the same way that authorities have re-engaged and engaged with the international community and the victims of the Gukurahundi disturbances in order to find common ground, they must also consider engaging with all.
Tsenegamu’s name was put on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP’s) wanted list after he supported calls for anti-corruption protests on 31 July which were foiled by authorities.
President of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) Obert Masaraure, and MDC Alliance vice-chairperson Job Sikhala are the other notable names on the police list. Sikhala has since been flushed out from his hideout and thrown in jail.