SW Radio Africa (London)
Lance Guma
20 May 2008
MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai has dismissed criticism of his self-imposed exile as unwarranted, saying he was still going back to Zimbabwe in preparation for the June 27 presidential run-off.
Tsvangirai cancelled a return home last Saturday after information was leaked of an alleged army plot to assassinate him. Critics have said Tsvangirai should be in Zimbabwe with his supporters who under siege from mounting state-sponsored violence. But the veteran trade unionist, who beat long time rival Robert Mugabe in the first round March 29 poll, asked his supporters to trust his decision-making on the issues surrounding his security.
Concerns over his security have not stopped the criticism. The deputy editor of the Zimbabwe Standard, Bill Saidi, has argued that Tsvangirai's 'exile' has created the impression he is more concerned about his safety than that of his supporters. Political analyst and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Dr John Makumbe also weighed in with a similar criticism saying; 'If he doesn't come back he will be demonstrating that he is fearful of Mugabe.' Activists from different civil society groups were also locked in debates over the issue. Many believe the threats on Tsvangirai's life are part of a broader and deliberate strategy to demobilize the party and weaken it ahead of the run-off.
On Tuesday the Zimbabwe National Students Union held a press conference in Harare where they called on Tsvangirai to come back home. ZINASU President Clever Bere said, 'His absence is causing more harm than good to the struggle. We call upon the President to return and face the treatment other Zimbabweans are getting.' The students re-affirmed their support for Tsvangirai in the run-off but insisted he come back home to provide leadership to the suffering people. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the ZINASU concerns were genuine but stressed that Tsvangirai was not on holiday. 'Everyone knows the importance of him being back and he will be back soon, but realities on the ground have to be considered first. As soon as circumstances allow he will be back,' he said.
Zanu PF meanwhile continues to deny there is a plot to assassinate Tsvangirai. Party spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira and Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga have taken turns trying to rubbish Tsvangirai's claims. Matonga pointed to the MDC leaders inside the country, claiming they have not been killed. A less than accurate claim, as 43 MDC officials, activists and supporters having been murdered in cold blood since the election. MDC secretary general Tendai Biti has insisted they have credible information that 18 snipers have been assembled to kill members of the top leadership.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 SW Radio Africa. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
