Zanu PF expel Libyan Ambassador

By Lance Guma

The ZANU PF side of the coalition government has given the Libyan Ambassador in Harare, Taher El Magrahi, 72 hours to leave the country, following his defection to rebels that toppled long time dictator and Mugabe ally, Muammar Gaddafi.

Last Wednesday El Magrahi angered ZANU PF when he led Libyan nationals in a protest against Gaddafi at the embassy. The demonstrators pulled down the official Libyan flag and burned it, before raising the flag belonging to the rebels. The embassy was later forced to take down the rebel flag.

In response, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi convened a press conference on Tuesday at which he announced that El Magrahi had been asked to leave the country within three days. Diplomatic privileges and immunity have also been withdrawn, with immediate effect.

Simon Muchemwa, our correspondent in Harare, told us Mumbengegwi refused to answer questions on the speculation that Gaddafi is now holed up in Zimbabwe after rebels took over the capital Tripoli last week. “I refuse to answer hypothetical questions,” is all Mumbengegwi said to journalists.

The original (print) statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry had given El Magrahi 48 hours to leave, but Muchemwa said this was altered using a pen and rewritten 72 hours. It’s reported El Magrahi might have negotiated for more time.

Last week El Magrahi said he is simply following the Libyan majority and was not “Gaddafi’s Ambassador” but a representative of the “Libyan people.” Mohammed Elbarat, the first counsellor in Harare, warned that Zimbabwe faces similar revolts to those that toppled Gaddafi’s regime, if its leaders keep oppressing people.

The decision by ZANU PF to blatantly side with Gaddafi has continued to fuel speculation the deposed tyrant might have sought refuge in Zimbabwe. Over the years Gaddafi acquired vast amounts of property, farms and other business interests and analysts say this makes Zimbabwe an ideal destination for him. SW Radio Africa