Mugabe meeting SA delegation as talks continue to end his rule
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ZIMBABWEAN President Robert Mugabe was meeting with a South African delegation at the state house in Harare yesterday as negotiations pushed for a resolution to the political turmoil and the likely end to Mugabe’s decades-long rule.
South African President Jacob Zuma, speaking in parliament, said the political situation “very shortly will be becoming clear” but that it was too early to take any firm decision. The talks include the military and, reportedly, the Catholic church.
Seizing on the political limbo to speak out, civil society groups and opposition leaders urged Mugabe to step aside after 37 years in power and for the country to transition into free and fair elections.
Mugabe has been in military custody, reportedly with his wife, and there was no sign of the recently fired deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa, who fled the country last week. The military remained in the streets of Harare.
Southern African regional officials were meeting in neighboring Botswana on the crisis.
A joint statement by more than 100 civil society groups urged Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state, to peacefully step aside and asked the military to quickly restore order and respect the constitution. A joint statement by churches also appealed for calm.
One analyst said he believed the negotiations “have pretty much reached an end point” to get Mugabe to step aside and that it was a “matter of hours or days.”
Knox Chitiyo, associate fellow with the Africa program at Chatham House, warned that speculation remains high but said the aim was a peaceful, managed transition. He said the military wants a dignified exit for Mugabe, who has ruled since independence in 1980.
Chitiyo said he doesn’t know where the ailing, 93-year-old Mugabe would go but that the destination is “likely driven by his health.”
Opposition leaders spoke out but said they had not been contacted as part of the Mugabe negotiations.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who shared power with Mugabe between 2009 and 2013, said his party would participate in talks on a transitional mechanism if approached.
A vice president who was fired in 2014, Joice Mujuru, called for “free, fair and credible elections.”
Zimbabwean Evan Mawarire, the pastor whose #ThisFlag social media campaign last year led to the largest anti-government protests in a decade, asked: “Should we just sit and wait or shall we at least be part of this transition process?” He urged that citizens not wait for regional leaders to broker the next phase.
Across the country, Zimbabweans were enjoying freedoms they haven’t had in years. For once, they weren’t contending with bribe-seeking police officers at roadblocks.
Street vendors who endured police raids after Mugabe ordered their removal were working without hassle.
The US Embassy advised its citizens in Zimbabwe to “limit unnecessary movements” as political uncertainty continues. The UK government urged its citizens to avoid large gatherings.
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