(at least 46), arbitrary arrests and detentions (466), displacements (under verification).”1 The ZCTU initiated protests attracted serious state repression when hijacked by criminal elements who took advantage of the protests leading to hundreds of properties being destroyed with industrialists supposedly losing about 300 million dollars2 during the protests. The government’s reaction to the January 2019 protests is analogous to the July 31, 2018 incidences. On July 31, opposition political activists took to the streets in Harare to protest against ‘delayed elections results.’ In an attempt to address the consequences of the protests and shootings, President Mnangagwa established a Commission of Inquiry led by the former President of South Africa, Kgalema Mothlante. The Mothlante Commission report states that the deaths of these six people and the injuries sustained by the 35 others arose from the actions of the military and the police,”3 The Commission also notes that “the pre-planned and well-orchestrated as evidenced by the arrival time of the protesters and the material that they brought along which included posters, bricks, stones and containers among others.” In line with the current call for national dialogue, the August 1, 2018 Commission Inquiry recommended the “establishment of multi-party reconciliation initiatives, including youth representatives, national and international mediators to address the root causes of the post-election violence and to identify the implementing strategies for reducing tensions, promoting common understanding of political campaigning, combating criminality and uplifting communities.” It is within this context that the call for National Dialogue be heeded and considered as an urgent matter for Zimbabwe and for Zimbabweans. What is National Dialogue A National Dialogue (ND) is a peacebuilding mechanism used to bring together diverse stakeholders (state and non-state actors) together when political institutions and governance systems are essentially collapsed, delegitimised or when the survival of a government in power is in question.4 National Dialogues (sometimes called National Conferences) may also be defined as broad-based, inclusive and participatory negotiation platforms involving large segments of civil society, politicians Human Rights NGO Forum (18 January 2019) On the Day of Darkness: An Updated Report on the Human Rights Violations Committed Between 14 January 2019 to 05 February 2019. http://kubatana.net/2019/01/18/days-darknesszimbabwe/ 2 Cabinet sets up team to assess demo damage 33Mahmoud Tendai (201 December 2018) Motlanthe Commission Issues Verdict. https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/12/20/motlanthe-commission-issues-verdict. See also: Zimbabwe: Report of Inquiry Into the 1st of August 2018 post-Election Violence. 4 IPTI (April 2017) What makes or Breaks National Dialogues. Briefing Note. 1 2