Prepare to be Arrested

country’s deep political, economic and social crises. The MDC leader said the opposition party was ready to roll out mass protests and that the leadership had “adequately consulted the length and breadth of the country.” The leadership of the opposition party was expected to meet “soon” to review progress on the planned mass action and decide on the next phase of the protests. Tsvangirai told his supporters in Matobo that he could not disclose the party’s finer plans for the mass protest, saying “appropriate structures are going to inform you on the nature and form of the Save Our Country Campaign.” He said “everything is now ready” adding “communication mechanisms are being finalized.” Party insiders said the MDC was working on “comprehensive measures” to confront Zanu (PF). They, however, did not indicate what measures the opposition party was planning to take. But Tsvangirai said his party was not going to be “stampeded into action” by President Mugabe and his government “who want a hasty programme so that they could butcher innocent citizens for daring to express themselves.” Tsvangirai said a critical mass of people was needed to dismantle the Mugabe’s dictatorship. “We want to embark on democracy marches in every town and every workplace,” he said. “We must be prepared to be arrested. We must be prepared to make a mark to ensure that we will never again be oppressed.” Mugabe warned during a Defence Forces commemoration speech last week against attempts to overthrow him through mass protests saying security agents would deal with “mischief-makers” and that soldiers will be given instructions to turn their guns on protesters. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces has issued a statement threatening to attack the MDC, and war veterans have said they will pulverise the opposition protests. Political analysts said the outcome of the protests will either leave Zimbabwe close to change or as a reinforced bastion of tyranny.