Tsvangirai dismisses criticism of exile as unwarranted

MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai has dismissed criticism of his self-imposed
exile as unwarranted, saying he was still going back to Zimbabwe in
preparation for the June 27 presidential run-off.Tsvangirai cancelled a
return home last Saturday after information was leaked of an alleged army
plot to assassinate him. Critics have said Tsvangirai should be in Zimbabwe
with his supporters who under siege from mounting state-sponsored violence.
But the veteran trade unionist, who beat long time rival Robert Mugabe in
the first round March 29 poll, asked his supporters to trust his
decision-making on the issues surrounding his security.
Concerns over his security have not stopped the criticism. The deputy editor
of the Zimbabwe Standard, Bill Saidi, has argued that Tsvangirai’s ‘exile’
has created the impression he is more concerned about his safety than that
of his supporters. Political analyst and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Dr
John Makumbe also weighed in with a similar criticism saying; ‘If he doesn’t
come back he will be demonstrating that he is fearful of Mugabe.’ Activists
from different civil society groups were also locked in debates over the
issue. Many believe the threats on Tsvangirai’s life are part of a broader
and deliberate strategy to demobilize the party and weaken it ahead of the
run-off.
On Tuesday the Zimbabwe National Students Union held a press conference in
Harare where they called on Tsvangirai to come back home. ZINASU President
Clever Bere said, ‘His absence is causing more harm than good to the
struggle. We call upon the President to return and face the treatment other
Zimbabweans are getting.’ The students re-affirmed their support for
Tsvangirai in the run-off but insisted he come back home to provide
leadership to the suffering people. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the
ZINASU concerns were genuine but stressed that Tsvangirai was not on
holiday. ‘Everyone knows the importance of him being back and he will be
back soon, but realities on the ground have to be considered first. As soon
as circumstances allow he will be back,’ he said.
Zanu PF meanwhile continues to deny there is a plot to assassinate
Tsvangirai. Party spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira and Deputy Information
Minister Bright Matonga have taken turns trying to rubbish Tsvangirai’s
claims. Matonga pointed to the MDC leaders inside the country, claiming they
have not been killed. A less than accurate claim, as 43 MDC officials,
activists and supporters having been murdered in cold blood since the
election. MDC secretary general Tendai Biti has insisted they have credible
information that 18 snipers have been assembled to kill members of the top
leadership.
SWAfrica Radio