HARARE and MUTARE
President Robert Mugabe and one of his main rivals hit Zimbabwe’s campaign trail on Saturday amid rising domestic tension and renewed international sanctions.
Mugabe addressed a rally at a football field in Beitbridge, while his foe, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)’s Morgan Tsvangirai, addressed thousands at a football stadium in Mutare.
The 84-year-old leader lambasted Zimbabwe’s former colonial master, the UK and barely mentioned the EU, which extended sanctions against him last week.
He claimed Simba Makoni, an ex-ally putting up a strong challenge against him in the March poll, was a weak candidate with little known support. Mugabe likened Makoni to a bullfrog with an over-inflated ego, which falsely thought it was now the size of a buffalo, warning the frog would burst very soon.
“He does not even represent a mere minority party. He thought everyone would abandon the Zanu (PF) leadership in pursuit of his ideals. He thought he had the power of attraction, as his name suggests, but that is merely ambition,” said Mugabe.
Mugabe said British and US sanctions were a Western manoeuvre to boost his rivals, and alleged that sanctions were causing ‘a great deal of harm” to the economy,
“Let’s tell the people the truth – about the economic hardships, what government is able to do and is not able to,” he said. “I want to assure you that we are looking at the situation in a very serious manner. We are aware that a part of the problem is hostility from abroad where people want to undermine our development by way of the sanctions they have imposed.”
Journalists assaulted
Addressing his supporters in Mutare, Tsvangirai said, if he won a right to lead Zimbabwe next month, he would re-engage the international community to rebuild Zimbabwe, which he claimed needed US$10bn for reconstruction. Â
“Robert Mugabe is one of the greatest tyrants of the 21st century, (and) when we bring him down, they (international community) will be there to help us, I can assure you of this,” he said to thunderous applause.
The MDC leader also unveiled his election manifesto, which focused mainly on economic stabilisation, socio-economic reconstruction, national integration, the establishment of law and order and putting in place a new people-driven constitution.
“The economy has been destroyed to such an extent that we need to start afresh,” Tsvangirai said. “Zimbabwe is one of the world’s great humanitarian crises. We need food, drugs and medical care. The nations of the world are helping but we need more. Beyond the humanitarian aid, we need the help of the world to rebuild our economy, but more than anything, we must look after our own.”
Tsvangirai ruled out the prospect of forming an alliance with independent candidate Makoni.
Tsvangirai’s rally was blighted by violence. Two journalists, Al Jazeera cameraman Austin Gundani and New Ziana senior reporter Maxwell Mapungwana, were assaulted by MDC youths, only to be rescued by regional spokesman Pishai Muchauraya.
Zimbabwe press freedom groups have roundly condemned the assault of the journalists.
Post published in: News