adminZvamaida Murwira Harare Bureau
FRENCH Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Laurent Dalehousse yesterday confirmed Government’s findings that there was a third force behind recent civil disturbances, after declaring that he does not regret supporting the call by shadowy organisations urging people to embark on illegal demonstrations and stayaways. Mr Delahousse, whose tour of duty is coming to an end soon, said he stood inspired by #ThisFlag leader, Pastor Evan Mawarire’s call for a stayaway and the singing and rowdy conduct shown by his supporters in court during his appearance at the Magistrate Courts on Wednesday evening.
The diplomat said this during the 60th French independence anniversary at his residence which was attended by several ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, Government officials, opposition party officials and members of civic society among others.
Last week, Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatious Chombo said United States ambassador Mr Harry Thomas and his French counterpart were behind civil disturbances that rocked Harare, Beitbridge and Bulawayo, according to intelligence gathered by Government.
“I make no excuse for believing in democracy and human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The freedom to assemble and demonstrate within the framework of the law, and to use social media in a peaceful manner, the protection of the people by the State without unnecessary use of force, even the right to stay at home without having to face the full wrath of the law, those are some of the rights deriving from the liberation struggle of your elders,” said Mr Delahousse.
He used the words “I have no regret” several times in his speech.
“I am inspired, on the contrary, by the light that shone yesterday (Wednesday) evening (at Harare Magistrate Court), on the other side of this beautiful city, in the hands and hearts of those who called in song and prayer for a new, united and peaceful Zimbabwe. May their appeal be heeded before it is too late,” said Mr Delahousse.
He told his audience that he would be leaving Harare in a few weeks for another posting.
“Honourable guests and friends, this is my fourth and last Bastille Day (French National Day) with you. In a few weeks I will be leaving Zimbabwe for another posting,” Mr Delahousse said.
Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Edgar Mbwembwe, who was representing the Government at the event, said Harare would soon respond to Mr Delahousse’s outburst.
He described the speech as an abuse of a platform for National Day.
“My speech was not full of insults like this,” said Deputy Minister Mbwembwe.
In his speech, Deputy Minister Mbwembwe commended France for accepting Zimbabwe’s debt management strategy at the 2015 International Monetary Fund/World Bank meeting in Lima, Peru as well as Paris’ continued support for re-engagement with the IMF.
“May I reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to take the necessary measures to unlock the support of all cooperating partners in its endavours to address the economic challenges it is currently facing. This is a collaborating process and my country is currently reaching out to engage all in good faith,” he said.
derick.khumalo