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#August01 Report

18 December 2018.

I have not yet read the comprehensive report ( 1290 pages in total ),  but so far with the tidbits I got from the President's presentation I got the impression that this is a very balanced report.

I must salute the President for being a man of his word.He stuck to the terms of reference of the Commission and its time frames.
However I must salute him more for his bravery.This report incriminates the opposition first and foremost for planning,  instigating, abating, aiding and inciting the violent demonstrations on 01 August 2018. Some may say this was to be expected.

But here is a catch.It incriminates his government too.Which leader would read out a report which incriminates the soldiers he commands ?

It is notes in the report that the depoyment of the Army was justified and in accordance with the Constitution.

Yet the soldiers are cited as having used excessive force against unarmed and fleeing civilians.This include use of buttons, live ammunition and riffle buts to assault protesters.

The report also speaks against the way soldiers were deployed and not put under the regional command, possibly due to lack of time.

It recommends an improvement in the operational procedure that include deployment for maintenance of law and order.

The soldiers are blamed for some of the deaths on that day and the report actually recommends that the Police expedite investigations into the circumstances leading to the shooting of civilians with the objective of bringing perpetrators to book in the shortest possible time.

The report recommends initiatives for multi-party dialogue as a peace intiative.
The report also recommends an improvement in ICT's to improve efficiency and to ensure timely annoUK ncement of elwction results.

The report also recommends that the government appoints a committee to look into and evaluate the extent of damage to private property with the intention of compensating them.

The report also recommends compensation to victims and families of the deceased.This will come as a relief to burdened families some who have been ophaned due to this violence.This is very sensitive and compassionate of the government as a remedy to the affected families.It also recommends that the government takes responsibility for medical bills of those injured in the violence and help with the rehabilitation of the traumatised victims and their families.
But it does not exonerate nor does it leave out the planners, proponents nd agitators of this violence.

Each will have to face up to the roles they played and the consequencies thereof.
President Mnangagwa stands out as a man of his word and this to me is what is known as integrity.This gesture builds a reputation of consistency.

I think this is what real Statesmen are made of.
Today President Mnangagwa made history for himself , his government and the nation of Zimbabwe at large.
Here is an African leader making history in conflict resolution.

In conclusion the report says;

“From our wide ranging fact-finding experience in Zimbabwe, we believe that President Mnangagwa is determined to open a new chapter in the policies and activities of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, including the restoration of the country’s diplomatic and commercial relations with the international community.”

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