Mugabe should be serious-Political analysts

The criticism comes after President Mugabe on Tuesday made a public statement at the commemorations of Africa day that he was committed to seeing a violent free Zimbabwe. “Zimbabwe remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Through our membership of the AU peace and Security Council, we are ready to work with others to find lasting solutions to African conflicts. It is our deep and Ernest desire to se future generations live in a continent free from scourges of war and conflict. It is in this respect Zimbabwe will spare no effort in ensuring that AU peace and Security Council realizes its goal of bringing peace and stability to the African Continent,” he told diplomats and senior government officials in Harare.

Mugabe is known worldwide for inciting violence against his political opponents especially during elections. American Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray,MDC legislator for Mtasa central Travor Saruwaka,Dr Simba Makoni and MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa saidin separated interviews that more actions than words were expected from President Mugabe to show his commitment towards promoting peace and violent free Zimbabwe.

“There has been public statements that there is commitment and political will towards national healing which is a pillar of building peace in Zimbabwe. There has to be a genuine political commitment to do what the country as a whole desires so that peace and unity is constructed. We recommend Zimbabwe to put their eyes to the future and learn from their past mistakes to build a stronger, peaceful and healthy Zimbabwe rather that making unfulfilled promises and statements,” he said.

Mtasa central legislator Trevor Saruwaka said Mugabe should first order the investigations and arrest of Gukurahundi and June 27 2008 Presidential elections atrocities before he talks of promoting peace in the country. “You are judged more on your actions and deeds not by public statements. We have known Mugabe for saying the right things and doing the wrong ones at the same time and people should not be deceived his statements.He indicates right and turns to the left.

“We have people with scars dating back from the Gukurahundi era. All elections in Zimbabwe have been littered with violence, including the land reform, and the recent June 2008 presidential run off elections, and no arrests of perpetrators have been made,” said Saruwaka.

Mavambo leader Dr Simba Makoni said Mugabe should stop deceiving the world that he was a changed man. “National healing and reconciliation first before we talk of promoting peace and should anchored commitment on the part of political leadership, particularly those whose followers were responsible for violence and peace disturbances. They need to first acknowledge the atrocities and genuinely apologize and they themselves changing their violent ways. As I observe the behaviour of the politicians who lead the parties that conducted those atrocities I do not see evidence of those elements existing,”Dr Makoni said.

Last week ZANU-Pf youths disrupted a national healing meeting which was led by Vice President John Nkomo.Political analysts say this process which is failing to get to the grass roots is the pillar of a peaceful Zimbabwe.

MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa defended the government for failing to priorities national healing saying the process was slow but going in a positive direction.

“Those are challe4nges which we can overcome. The intension is there.The spirit is there and desire to pursue some kind of progress building blocks is there and I think we will get there, the process is going to be slow but the direction is good,”Chamisa said in an interview.