THE MDC-United States branch of the Thokozani Khupe-led
opposition has accused party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora of being a
"warlord" in charge of a violent militia in a bid to personalise the
movement to fight alleged opponents.
In a letter addressed to Mwonzora and party leadership
dated August 31, MDC-USA secretary Andrew Chaponda said the Khupe-led MDC T was
"anaemic" as indiscipline, violence and tribalism rock the opposition
party.
Chaponda's letter reveals that the MDC-USA branch provided
funds for the upkeep of youth that participated in the take-over of Harvest
House offices in Harare from the MDC Alliance.
The youth have, however, been turned into "marauding
vigilantes" in the party's factional fights, the letter adds, as Chaponda
called for their urgent demobilisation as agreed by the party.
"No one is safe from these marauding vigilantes,
including members of the standing committee. It is time for them to go,"
part of Chiponda's letter read.
"As you are aware, the SC [Standing Committee] has
already recommended that they be demobilised, receive their token of
appreciation and turn over guard duties to a professional private security
firm."
He added: "Again, as leader of administration and
beneficiary of continued occupation, you have failed to implement SC
resolutions and leave us wondering whether you are now a warlord in charge of a
militia."
Party chairperson Morgen Komichi and his deputy elias
Mudzuri were also copied.
The MDC-USA branch accused Mwonzora of not only
personalising the opposition party, but selectively implementing party
resolutions.
"It is prudent that the membership knows in writing,
that you have unilaterally and selectively decided to personalise the National
Council resolutions in unbeknownst by and in defiance of the members'
wishes," Chaponda wrote.
Chaponda cited as an example the failure by Mwonzora to
recall Lynette Karenyi-Kore (Proportional representation MP), Theresa Makone
and Phyllis Ndlovu as suggested by the provincial structures.
"You have also been playing footsie with the recall
process. You removed their names from the list without explanation. This trio
still needs to be recalled as demanded by their provinces and without further
delay. Your office exists to serve the membership, not the other way
round."
The MDC-USA branch also raised concern over Mwonzora's
failure to stamp out rampant tribalism, particularly the one targeted at Khupe
that appears to "be a popular pastime of your (Mwonzora) supporters."
"You have tried to distance yourself from their
remarks, but failure to take concrete steps, including suspension and
disciplinary hearings, does not fit the abhorrent and so primitive
utterances," Chaponda argued.
"As head of party administration, it is your
responsibility to instil discipline on errant members, let alone party
employees promoting tribalism to advance your candidacy."
Mwonzora was not answering his mobile phone despite
repeated efforts. Khupe's spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni yesterday said the
matter was up for discussion during the party's standing committee meeting on
Wednesday.
"We have a SC meeting next weekend, but before the
matter is discussed, I cannot comment. I will comment once the matter has been
dealt with," Phugeni said in a telephone interview. Newsday
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