US embassy cable - 05HARARE1509

C O N F I D E N T I A L HARARE 001509 
 
SIPDIS 
 
AF/S FOR B. NEULING 
NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE 
DS FOR DS/IP/AF AND DS/IP/ITA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, ASEC, ZI, Other Political Parties 
SUBJECT: NCA PLANS DEMONSTRATIONS FOR NOV 5 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Christopher Dell for reasons 1.5 b/d 
 
1.  (C) On November 3, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) 
Chairperson, Lovemore Mudhuku told poloff that the NCA was 
planning a series of demonstrations around the country to 
protest the creation of the Senate and to call for a new 
constitution.  The demonstrations were to take place 
simultaneously around mid-day on Saturday, November 5, in 
Zimbabwe,s main cities: Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, 
and Gweru.  Madhuku said NCA had identified a core group of 
150-200 people to begin the demonstration in each city.  The 
NCA planned to spread word of the demonstrations in advance 
and, given the extent of popular dissatisfaction with the 
government, hoped large numbers of other demonstrators would 
join the core groups. 
 
2. (C) Comment:  The NCA and MDC both have told us recently 
that they are working together on a strategy to confront the 
regime, including street protests.  While the NCA remains one 
of the most active NGOs and one of a tiny group willing to 
stage public protests against the GOZ,s policies, it remains 
to be seen whether they, and for that matter the MDC, can 
once more get large numbers of people into the streets as 
they did from 2000-2002.  End Comment. 
DELL