Mugabe tells Tsvangirai he is scared to go

HARARE – President Robert Mugabe has put it straight to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai that he has no plans to leave office anytime soon because he fears that doing so would mark the demise of his party.

Mugabe told Tsvangirai that due to acute divisions and a serious battle to succeed him in Zanu PF, he was scared to quit now because the fights to succeed him would tear the party apart.

In an interview with The Africa Report, Tsvangirai said he had held discussions with Mugabe concerning his plans to leave office in which the 87-year-old told him that now was not the right time for him to retire. Tsvangirai also spoke about Mugabe’s health.

Said Tsvangirai: “Yes, I’ve talked to him (about his departure). His excuse is that he needs to make sure his party is strong, but he’s also worried about the degree of deep divisions, irreconcilable divisions, within his own party. So that in itself is a matter of concern,” said Tsvangirai.

The divisions Mugabe referred to, Zanu PF sources have indicated, centres around the two camps within the party whose figure heads are battling to succeed him.

Vice President Joice Mujuru, who has the backing of her husband, retired army general Solomon Mujuru, for long seen as a kingmaker, is said to be leading one faction while Emmerson Mnangagwa, seen in political circles as Mugabe’s preferred heir apparent, leads another faction.

However, both factions have openly dismissed reports they are interested in taking over from Mugabe as they are scared of the octogenarian leaders’ response which is usually ruthless.

The divided camps have ensured Mugabe has stayed in power for 31 years without anyone from Zanu PF challenging him. They have all often chosen to hide behind the usual Zanu PF tune that there is no vacancy at the top whenever the succession debate resurfaces.

Tsvangirai used his interview with Africa Report to give his thoughts on what should happen if Mugabe, who has been to Asia five times this year on suspected medically-related visits, is incapacitated and declared unfit to continue presiding over the affairs of the state.

Tsvangirai said there were constitutional provisions that explains the procedures that should be followed to replace Mugabe.

“There are constitutional measures (in place to deal with this situation). The Vice President takes over for a while, then we go to an election. That is the constitutional position. I can’t foresee any situation in which there would be any measures to try to undermine that. There will not be any constitutional crisis, because there is a constitution that takes care of that eventuality,” he said.

Tsvangirai also said the president’s health was now a “matter of national concern.”

“President Mugabe’s health is a matter of national concern. He’s not getting any younger. But I think the biggest failing is not about his health, it’s about a clear succession plan within Zanu-PF.”

“That is the crisis because if there was a clear succession plan there would be no worry.”

“People die, they know that. But if he leaves it in a political vacuum it then creates problems for the country. So that is the concern. His health for a man of his age fluctuates. There are days when he is strong, there are days when he also is not,” Tsvangirai said.

In addition, he said, the contentious security sector reform issue that his party has been pushing for as part of the electoral roadmap discussions was now a baby of the National Security Council.

“That matter is also getting the attention of the National Security Council,” he said. “But it would appear that there is a conflict between policy and operational directives.”

Commenting on statements made by Brigadier General, Douglas Nyikayaramba as well as other high-ranking army officials who said they will not recognise him as president if he wins the next election and that he was a national threat who should not be allowed to rule the country, the MDC president said his party was convinced the generals were aware they submit to civilian authority.

“When such statements are issued, they’re against policy. And they are against the accepted norms and standards of a military. How do you get a third ranking, fourth ranking army brigadier making a statement?”

“The question is not an MDC or Zanu PF government. The question is that to what extent are these institutions loyal to the civilian authority, as represented by the mandate of the people. If there’s no respect for that, then who are you despising? You’re despising the will of the people…then where do you get your legitimacy?” Tsvangirai asked. Daily News