ACADEMIC and political analyst Ibbo Mandaza says that a
transitional government in the form of a government of national unity (GNU),
followed by elections two years later is the way to go in resolving Zimbabwe’s
political crisis.
Speaking on a BBC television programme, Hardtalk hosted by
Stephen Sackur, Mandaza said there was need to mediate the conflict and have
national dialogue which includes everybody, including main opposition leader
Morgan Tsvangirai to form a transitional authority.
“Clearly yes, it appears to me that (former Vice-President
Emmerson) Mnangagwa has been the chosen one for the army. It is difficult
because the (former President Robert) Mugabe era and Mnangagwa are one and the
same and it is a factional fight within Zanu PF,” he said.
Mandaza said events that led to the military action arose
from fear by the generals that they would be charged with treason by Mugabe.
The political expert said he did not think that the whole thing was the work of
Western forces or even China, which certain people now suspected to have
orchestrated the plan to remove Mugabe.
“I know China as not interfering in external affairs,
except in its own neighbourhood. I think that is mere speculation, there is no
evidence to that effect nor is there evidence that Western countries are
involved,” Mandaza said.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara
has said the current political crisis should be kept inclusive, beyond and
broader than Zanu PF.
“The people who came out on Saturday were not just Zanu PF
supporters. At Zimbabwe Grounds, before he even started speaking, (Patrick)
Chinamasa (Zanu PF legal secretary) was booed. That is why he made those bold
statements attacking Mugabe and Grace. He was trying to get a positive
reception,” Mutambara said.
“While it is clear that Zanu PF succession matters
triggered the current events and Zanu PF will try to be the biggest
beneficiary, there is need for everyone involved in the current events to be
inclusive, magnanimous and national interest-driven.”
He said Zanu PF should apologise and retract Chinamasa’s
“arrogant and tragic attacks” on the opposition.
Mutambara said rather than drag the country through
impeachment, Mugabe should have just put national interest first and resigned,
which he finally did yesterday. Newsday
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