Mugabe Held Hostage By Party Hawks And Army

The Nation (Nairobi)

NEWS
17 August 2008
Posted to the web 18 August 2008

By Kitsepile Nyathi
Harare


Zimbabwean strongman, President Robert Mugabe has always been regarded as something of a political enigma. For most of his 28 years in power, he has virtually run the once prosperous Southern African country as a de-facto one party state.

In the eyes of millions of subdued Zimbabweans he is a dictactor who brooks no challenge even from his former liberation movement or the army.

But after an embarrassing electoral set back during the historical March elections where his ruling Zanu PF lost its parliamentary majority to the opposition for the first time since independence, a new profile of a leader who is a hostage to very powerful forces is emerging.

Presented with a golden opportunity to revive his tattered legacy by reaching a political settlement with his main rival, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Mr Mugabe dug in his heels at the last minute.

His image of a man with sole and absolute power was brought into question. South African President Thabo Mbeki spent four days holed in a Harare hotel after Zanu PF and MDC negotiators produced a draft agreement that many believed was a panacea to the impasse that has kept Zimbabwe without a government for five months.

He went back home empty handed after Mr Tsvangirai walked out of the talks protesting that he no longer "understood the language" Mr Mugabe was talking at the negotiating table.

Reports have since emerged that defence forces commander, General Constantine Chiwenga told Mr Mugabe that the army was not prepared to honour any arrangement that leaves Mr Tsvangirai as the dominant figure in government.

Gen Chiwenga is the leader of the Joint Operations Command (JOC), which is made up heads of the army, police, prisons and intelligence that has effectively usurped power from Mr Mugabe since Mr Tsvangirai defeated him in the presidential election held on March 29.

Another threat

Then another threat came from former liberation war fighters who are said to have ordered the 84 year-old president not to accept any power sharing deal with the opposition, warning that he risked dire consequences including the invasion of commercial farms.

The warnings were separately delivered to Mr Mugabe on Monday, while Zimbabweans expected that the three leaders including Professor Arthur Mutambara of the small faction of the MDC were close to signing the anxiously awaited power-sharing deal.

"The outcome of the talks hinges on the army generals and Mugabe is only there as a figure head," said a researcher at the Department of War and Strategic Studies at the University of Zimbabwe who could not be named for professional reasons.

"The military remains deeply suspicious of Tsvangirai and some commanders feel that they have sacrificed a lot for Mugabe to lose out their positions just like that."

He said Zimbabwe's political transition from the Lancaster House talks that brought the country's independence in 1980 to an accord that ended a civil war in 1987 had always been negotiated by soldiers who must be involved if the current talks were to succeed.

Another source of trouble for the talks is from Mr Mugabe's failure to manage his succession in the ruling Zanu PF.

"A ZANU-PF clique is now seeking to subvert the process as they think President Mugabe made too many concessions," the Financial Gazette newspaper said.

"That is why you see that even though the principals are bound by the terms of the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) not to leak information to the media, confidential information is now finding its way to the state media.

"They hope that Tsvangirai maintains his stance."

That was demonstrated by the uproar that followed reports that Prof Mutambara's faction was prepared to sign an agreement without Mr Tsvangirai that would pave way for Mr Mugabe to form a new government.

Seven of the faction's 10 MPs threatened to resign from the party rather than work with Zanu PF.

And, about Mr Tsvangirai: "If he makes the wrong move he will be finished politically because Zimbabweans will never forgive him for selling out to Zanu PF," says Thomas Ngwenya, a former PF Zapu member.

Hmm. This is getting to be very, very interesting!

Seems that even if BaBa MUGABE succumbs to psychological, physical illness of ANY kind, the Brothers in ZIMBABWE are quite prepared to take up the mantle of complete independence from krakkka influences/interferences anyhow!

(That's what happens sometimes when the 'student's' get better than the teacher!)

If MUGABE doesn't find any rest...neither will Tsvangirai!!


Sis ROSE, I didn't notice a link would YOU mind if I c/p this info for the benefit of another board? This same conversation has been ongoing over there and this is 'need-to-know' info!

(I'LL make sure YOU get proper credits.)


ROARIN...

No, roarin1 .. I wouldn't mind at all! In fact, I will try to find the link for you .. but, I actually ran across this story while looking for something else entirely!

In fact, I hadn't heard that Tsvangirai's had actually won the elections!! I knew he should have, but never imagined that Mugabe would not kill any elections person who actually tried to say that out loud!! I didn't imagine that he couldn't/wouldn't cheat and terrorize his way into another victory ... so, I didn't even pay attention after he demanded a run-off ... just figured he needed the extra time to secure himself another presidential term.

But, you're right!!! Interesting is definitely the word for this. And I will try to keep us both informed on the outcome of how this finally plays itself out.

It is a shame, though, what Black/African people will do to other Black/African people for power and money.

Roarin,

isn't it troubling that the army is devoted to an individual, and not necessarily to the country itself?

Thanks Sista ROSE.....

A link would be wonderful! However, if WE can get past the euro-slant on major media forces, I believe that WE could see BaBa MUGABE in a whole 'nuther light. I belive that HIS health may be rapidly failing HIM and there is alway's the possibility that HE may be battling a bit of senility....but I'M rooting that HIS Legacy (the original directive of HIS fight for Independence,) may live on!

Again Thank YOU.


ROARIN......

quote:

Originally posted by negrospiritual:
Roarin,

isn't it troubling that the army is devoted to an individual, and not necessarily to the country itself?

It is interesting that HIS Army (if as hideous as say---the BBC sees'm,) has not already been utterly eradicated by euro-'peace-keeping' forces.

As the above article (if verfiable,) has stated, MUGABE'S Men have vowed (even in defiance of MUGABE!) 'General Constantine Chiwenga told Mr. Mugabe that the army was not prepared to honor any arrangement that leaves Mr. Tsvangirai as the dominant figure in government.'

That doesn't sound like blind devotion to ME! However, if YOUR'E correct Sis NS, it sounds like the General is prepared to kill ANYONE including MUGABE if either would 'rule' against the gov!

One thing is for sure....the 'plot thickens!!'

quote:

Originally posted by roarin1:

A link would be wonderful! However, if WE can get past the euro-slant on major media forces, I believe that WE could see BaBa MUGABE in a whole 'nuther light. I belive that HIS health may be rapidly failing HIM and there is alway's the possibility that HE may be battling a bit of senility....but I'M rooting that HIS Legacy (the original directive of HIS fight for Independence,) may live on!

Here ya go! STORY

I rarely read any Western-media stories about Africa ... particularly because of the euro-slant to them. Most of the info I get comes from on-line African newspapers and blogs.

There is a lot of in the State/Gov't-run newspapers of African countries as well. It's like listening to Bush and believing what he says is the truth. I try to take my information from the people .. they're living it. They ought to know.

And, personally, I believe Mugabe has outlived his greatness. He shoulda quit while he was ahead.

quote:

Originally posted by EbonyRose:

quote:

Originally posted by roarin1:

A link would be wonderful! However, if WE can get past the euro-slant on major media forces, I believe that WE could see BaBa MUGABE in a whole 'nuther light. I belive that HIS health may be rapidly failing HIM and there is alway's the possibility that HE may be battling a bit of senility....but I'M rooting that HIS Legacy (the original directive of HIS fight for Independence,) may live on!

Here ya go! STORY

I rarely read any Western-media stories about Africa ... particularly because of the euro-slant to them. Most of the info I get comes from on-line African newspapers and blogs.

There is a lot of in the State/Gov't-run newspapers of African countries as well. It's like listening to Bush and believing what he says is the truth. I try to take my information from the people .. they're living it. They ought to know.

And, personally, I believe Mugabe has outlived his greatness. He shoulda quit while he was ahead.

I NOTICED that from YOU! And I LOVE that about the fact that YOU have pulled this article straight from the 'horses' mouth!'

This is 'due-diligence' #1! It is imperative that OUR People seek out the TRUTH regarding OUR People from the SOURCE...EVERY chance that WE get, because the degree of dis-information is entirely too rampant!! (But the 'truth' is out here, if WE only look.)

And just like YOU'VE mentioned, directly from the source or, 'those on the ground' preferably.

Also agreed, because BaBa MUGABE (I believe though I don't have proof,) may have been suffering lately from the onslaught of 'aging,' HE may do well as to have 'groomed' several protege's to have replaced HIM. This is also what I find interesting, is that if such a thing has taken place and why I say....WE shall see!

Aluta continua...


ROARIN...