Huge pro-Mugabe rally held in Harare by ZANU PF youth

Barely 24 hours after President Robert Mugabe described leader of the #ThisFlag movement as being a sponsored agent of foreign countries set on “destabilizing” his administration, a huge rally in support of the government has been held in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare.

The pro government rally organized by the youth wing of the ruling ZANU PF party was attended by thousands amidst drumming and dancing. They ironically labeled it #ThisOurFlag march.

Youth leaders of the party took turns to criticize Evan Mawarire and members of the #ThisFlag protest. They appealed to the Zimbabwean Police chief to step aside and allow them to deal with Evan and members of his movement.

Mugabe in responding to #ThisFlag protesters on Tuesday said: “The Mawarires and those who who believe in that way of living in our country, well, are not part of us. You can’t urge people to adopt violence, violent demonstrations as the way of life or the way of solving grievances. No, we will say no, forever no.”

“Find another environment, if you are a pastor, I don’t know if he is a man of religion. A man of religion we would hope would preach biblical peace,” he added.

The rally coincided with the announcement of the release of land by the government for the construction of residential stands in the capital. According to local media reports, 300 hectares of land had been availed in Chisahawasha.

500 hectares in Harare South and 200 hectares in Norton. The youth leaders however bemoaned cases of corruption in the country and charged that they would do what it took to curb the menace.

Youths have expressed concern over corruption land dealings & asserted that they are President Mugabe's watchdogs saying they will not…

— The Herald (@HeraldZimbabwe) July 20, 2016

The leader of the Women’s League of ZANU PF, Sandi Moyo, in delivering an address stated that her wing was strongly in support of the President and that they were happy that he is delivering what he promised the people.

‘‘I also want to tell you that ZANU PF is mother body of politics in Zimbabwe. This party liberated Zimbabwe,’‘ she charged.

President Mugabe and top government officials have maintained that Zimbabwe was in crisis as a result of the economic sanctions imposed on the government. The government has been unable to pay salaries on time in the last two months due to currency shortages.