UN Special Representative meets protesters, calls for calm and stresses the importance of a direct dialogue

The protesters are demanding economic reforms, jobs, reliable public services, accountability, prudent and impartial governance, and an end to corruption. "These are legitimate and longstanding demands. A direct dialogue, to discuss ways forward and to bring about immediate and tangible results, is of great importance.”



Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert urged the authorities to exercise maximum restraint in the handling of the protests and to give peaceful protesters space to freely speak their minds, in keeping with the law. “The ability to preserve the right to protest is a sign of political and democratic maturity. Moreover, the use of force only fuels the anger, de-escalation is urgently needed" she said, warning against the infiltration of these demonstrations by parties with political and/or other agendas undermining the main cause of the protesters.