A year after the rigged elections, the emptiness of Zanu (PF)’s promises has been laid bare as the economy spirals inexorably downwards. But as the rival parties fracture there is growing recognition from elements in the ruling party that they need help from the West – and particularly from the diaspora – if Zimbabwe is to be turned around.
Party spokesman Rugare Gumbo told the press recently “Economic transformation that we want to achieve requires the voice of everyone, including the opposition and civic society”.
Gumbo insisted that Tsvangirai would first have to accept the legitimacy of last July’s elections. The Vigil believes that this condition is for party rhetorical purposes and the door to talks is obviously ajar.
Thoughtful people in Zanu (PF) know that the party cannot manage on its own. At the same time, the opposition knows that Mugabe and his crew will not let go of power. The Vigil thinks there is a narrow gap that must be widened and explored.
In our view the EU is not helping by dropping all its objections to the lack of reforms and rushing to embrace Mugabe. If anything, their supine policy will provide the Mugabe regime with a lifeline at a time when its back is against the wall – much as the Government of National Unity saved it after the electoral loss in 2008. We believe the US has taken a more principled and sensible position by refusing to accept the rigged elections while still holding out a friendly hand to Zimbabwe.
Post published in: News
The economic meltdown is getting worse and the regime must resign quickly before the whole nation is thrown into chaos; we are sitting on a health and social time bombs and one or both can go off any day!