THE MDC-T led by former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani
Khupe, has said it will continue participating in dialogue meetings with
President Emmerson Mnangagwa not because they support the present government,
but as a sign of maturity.
Khupe’s MDC-T and several other parties have been attending
the dialogue meetings with Mnangagwa, a platform which has been snubbed by the
Nelson Chamisa-led MDC over the question of the Zanu PF leader’s legitimacy
following the disputed July 2018 elections. MDC also takes exception to
Mnangagwa being the convener.
Abednico Bhebhe, chairperson of the MDC-T, on Friday said
the opposition party will continue engaging Mnangagwa not because they support
him, but as “mature citizens” to find solutions to the country’s multi-faceted
problems.
“This government is recognised by Southern African
Development Community, African Union, European Union, United States and the
United Nations, therefore, to any logical person it becomes apparent that any
way forward can only come through dialogue,” Bhebhe told journalists at the
Bulawayo Centre on Friday.
“Does this mean we agree with this government? Of course we
don’t, hence the dialogue, but for us the welfare of Zimbabwe and her people
trumps any personal ambition. It is not going to be easy, but the dialogue
needs mature people and if we did not participate who was going to be the adult
in that room?”
“Our Constitution states that the change we advocate for
will be achieved only through democratic and peaceful means,” Bhebhe said.
Churches in Bulawayo under the Churches Convergence on
Peace (CCOP) banner have frowned against the political parties’ dialogue
meetings describing them as elitist, saying the trend set in 1979 at the
Lancaster House talks is to blame for the country’s ills.
The CCOP has suggested that Zimbabweans, even outside the
political realm, must participate in the talks to ensure an all-inclusive
process for a shared national vision and prosperity. Newsday
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