Mkapa to negotiate exit plan?

the land issue had been dealt with. He said there was nothing wrong with people openly debating succession, 19 months prior to the end of his current term. The Zimbabwean has learnt that an agreement was reached to reschedule a meeting between Mkapa and Mugabe to discuss the matter. The new date has not yet been set. High-ranking officials said Mkapa wanted to “keep the momentum going” following Mugabe’s “very positive signals last week.” Among other issues, the leaders are to work out a “safe exit plan” and immunity from prosecution for alleged human rights abuses committed during Mugabe’s 26-year rule. Mugabe is said to be particularly worried about the Matabeleland massacres during the 1980s. The resident is said to have made his first direct indication that he wants to retire at the SADC summit last week. He was quoted in the official press in Lesotho saying: “We are getting to a stage where we shall say fine, we settled this matter (land reform) and people can retire.” Zanu (PF) sources say Mugabe is anxious about the repercussions of his departure. “He wants to leave but his personal security fears, the fate of his family and property, his party’s simmering succession problem . . . are his main obstacles,” a senior party source said. Local human rights groups have also been fuelling his apprehension by calling for his prosecution. And main opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai says Mugabe’s personal security, after he relinquishes power, can only be guaranteed in the context of a negotiated settlement of the Zimbabwe crisis. Meanwhile, Mugabe has denounced “clandestine groupings” manoeuvring to take over. He said he was aware that his lieutenants were looking beyond him and plotting for a final assault on power. Retired army general Solomon Mujuru and party heavyweight Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the key individuals heading the rival factions.