Impeccable sources told The Zimbabwean this week that Mbeki had identified Makoni as the ideal candidate to pull Zimbabwe out of the current political and economic crisis.
He had initially hoped to strike a deal between “reformists” from Zanu (PF) led by Makoni and the opposition MDC factions that would see the establishment of a transitional government of national unity pending elections under a new constitution.
Sources say there was hope by Mbeki and other African and western leaders that there would be a successful rebellion in Zanu (PF) at the party’s special congress in December to oust Mugabe and replace him with Makoni, who had already pledged his commitment to the transitional government arrangement and said he had no problems working with the MDC.
When the plan to oust Mugabe flopped, it put the whole game plan into disarray and Mugabe became more paranoid and contemptuous of the negotiations, which eventually collapsed.
“Makoni then told Mbeki he was ready and capable of contesting the presidency,” said a source who was involved. “They agreed that Makoni didn’t have to leave Zanu (PF) because it needed to be reformed – it remains an obstacle to political change as long as it is still under Mugabe.”
Mbeki made a surprise statement last week that had been success in the negotiations between Zanu (PF) and MDC. Senior sources in the MDC say the SA leader is making concerted efforts to try and forge an alliance between Makoni and the two MDC factions to present a united front against Mugabe, and consider the government of national unity proposal.
“The plan really is that Makoni must remain Zanu (PF) and there is belief that he had backing of many members in the party meaning in the event of any defeat of Mugabe, there can indeed by a reformed Zanu (PF) to work with,” the source said.
Post published in: News