In an interview with Aljazeera, Tutu openly said that Mbeki has been
reluctant to quell the ghastly situation in Zimbabwe.
 “I can tell you that Zimbabweans are not happy with the way Mbeki has
handled the crisis in Zimbabwe. In most cases, Mbeki chose to remain silent
even when Zimbabwe’s crisis was at fever pitch.”
 The vocal but soft-spoken prelate however said that South Africa does not
tolerate the situation in Zimbabwe. He said that South Africa has a pivotal
role to play in mediating the current political crisis in Zimbabwe. His
remarks come in the wake of the just ended xenophobic attacks that saw
thousands of Zimbabwe flee South Africa for their safety.
 Tutu now says that Mbeki could have flexed his muscles as the current
mediator of the Zimbabwe crisis and warn Mugabe against his dictatorial
acts.
 Even as Mbeki distanced himself from the Zimbabwe crisis, Zambian
President who is also the current chair of SADC, Levy Mwanawasa used his
position to warn Mugabe of dire consequences, if he continued to oppress his
people.
 Tutu has appealed to the African Union, SADC and the international
community at large to intervene and reverse the ugly trend in Zimbabwe.
 Nominated Kofi Annan
 Tutu says he will ask former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to mediate in
the Zimbabwe crisis, the same way he conducted the mediation during the
Kenyan post-election violence.
 “Kofi Annan did a splendid job in Kenya when the country was at the brink
of violence. If Zimbabwe were to go the mediation route, I will definitely
nominate Mr. Annan.”
 Tutu said that Annan has the right credentials to mediate over the
Zimbabwe issue and the world trusts him better than anyone else.
 “He showed patience and commitment in the Kenyan mediation talks and the
world can trust him to do the same in Zimbabwe,” says Tutu.
 Time for Mugabe to leave
 Asked about Mugabe’s departure from Statehouse, Tutu said that time had
come for Mugabe to leave the throne. He added that Mugabe’s retirement would
save many Zimbabweans a great deal of suffering.
 “Mugabe should consider a dignified exit from power and many people will
respect him for that.”
 According to Tutu, it seems unlikely that Mugabe would win the June 27
Presidential elections. Zimbabweans are likely to see a fair result emerging
from the polls if Mugabe does not rig.
 But knowing Mugabe for what he is, Tutu says that it is highly unlikely to
have a free and fair election as Mugabe has already threatened to stage war
if he loses the elections.
 Tutu also suggests a government of national unity that comprises of Mugabe’s
ZANU-PF and the opposition’s Movement of Democratic Change (MDC) currently
chaired by Morgan Tvchangirai.
 Apologizes
 Following the recent xenophobic attacks that saw thousands of foreigners
evicted from South Africa, Arch-Bishop Tutu has apologized on behalf of the
South African government.
Post published in: Opinions