Mugabe mourns Mutambara

But Mugabe seems reluctant to kick his friend and ally while he is down.

The party formerly known as MDC-M has decided that Ncube, who was elected the new leader at the party congress three weeks ago, should replace former leader Mutambara as Deputy Prime Minister.

Speaking in Ethiopia at a luncheon hosted by the Zimbabwe ambassador at his residence in Addis Ababa earlier this week, Mugabe said Ncube could only take office after Mutambara resigns.

Well poor Mutambara, those who invited him now say he has overstayed. He actually came to me and he went to our Prime Minister Tsvangirai also and spent time with him and spent time with me and told us what was going on that was before the congress when there was lots of chicanery, cunning and mischief and he said he was not going to stand as a candidate for the presidency of MDC-M, said Mugabe.

Responding to this, MDC spokesman Nhlanhla Dube said: “The President has no power or right to appoint any person into the cabinet without the approval of that party. Equally clear is the right of each party to reshuffle, reassign or recall any of its representatives. The President is required only to formally make the appointments as requested by the parties.

It is curious that it is now suggested that there is one rule for the MDC-T and Zanu (PF), and another for MDC. We are left with no doubt that this is not a legal question but a political one, where some parties are more equal than others. We have no doubt that the public cant be fooled and will definitely understand what is happening.

Speaking in a separate interview, Kurauone Chihwayi, the deputy spokesman told The Zimbabwean ******** that Ncube had asked to meet the President this week.

“We hope he respects our position and does not stand in the way,” Chihwayi said.

Mugabe told Zimbabweans in Addis Ababa that Mutambaras recall had thrown up fresh political and legal problems. So we now have Welshman Ncube as the new president? And then what does he do to the three principals? We have been working together in the Global Political Agreement right from the start, he said.

This creates legal problems. Politically, they were able to remove him but legally we swore him in as a Member of Parliament and I swore him as Deputy Prime Minister.

I dont know it is up to him if he wants to resign and if he refuses to resign we are stuck. But the GPA will move ahead.

Mugabe insinuated that Ncube had staged a coup to unseat Mutambara. I thought this is the opposition which was crying out that Zanu (PF) is undemocratic,” Mugabe said.

If Mugabe accedes to this, it brings a whole new dynamic in the executive matrix. Ncube, an in-law of South Africa President Jacob Zuma, has made it clear he wants to be the next President and said it was time for a generational takeover.

For some, Mutambara’s ignominious removal from office is a cause for celebration, a tribute to democracy and a harbinger of better days for the party. Yet for many others, it is a deep cause for worry, a sign that the there is a heavy price to pay for backing Zanu (PF). Mugabe, who no doubt really liked Mutambara, will probably try to lure him over to Zanu (PF) ranks.

Mugabes former spin doctor, media hang-man Jonathan Moyo, has already given the clue, saying: “He (Mutambara) may be surprised to get many opportunities including being invited by other parties.

Mutambara has been reassigned the new Regional Integration and International Cooperation minister, and is expected to make a statement when he returns from the World Economic Forum summit in Davos.