Statement on the Late Morgan Richard Tsvangirai

Former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe

IJR mourns the passing away of Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, the trade unionist, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. Tsvangirai was a courageous leader of the opposition against Robert Mugabe’s political regime.

Through his dedication and endurance Tsvangirai contributed towards framing the narrative and laying the foundations for a more peaceful, inclusive and democratic Zimbabwe. He fought for constitutionalism, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and against the incipient culture of corruption. In December 2009, the late former Prime Minister Tsvangirai requested the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) to convene a Policy Roundtable for opinion leaders on the transition in Zimbabwe, and the meeting was held over a two-day period, outside Cape Town, South Africa. IJR recalls with fond memories the important work that was advanced to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in Zimbabwe to continue with the struggle for a more equitable and just society.

IJR would like to encourage all Africans to emulate the example set by Tsvangirai in his relentless pursuit for the ideals that he believed in, and in his strong desire to see all citizens of our continent continuously strive to improve their livelihoods. Africans across the width and breath of the continent, should continuously play the role of active citizenship, and strive to create more inclusive, peaceful and progressive societies, and remain steadfast even in the face of over-whelming oppression.

IJR salutes the Late Morgan Tsvangirai, a courageous freedom fighter!