Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe accused the opposition of trying to foment anarchy on Wednesday as the troubled Southern African nation marked the 27th anniversary of its independence from Britain.
In a keynote speech at a packed football stadium in Harare, Mugabe fired a fresh broadside at his foreign critics, including the former colonial power, and accused opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai of being a puppet of the West.
The celebrations have been overshadowed by an economic meltdown and mounting political violence but 83-year-old Mugabe said he would deal with ”conspirators” trying to end his 27-year rule with the full force of the law.
”We have observed how of late this conspiracy has attempted to transform into a militant, criminal strain, characterised by the puerile attempts of misguided opposition elements to create a state of anarchy,” Mugabe said.
”As the government, our message remains clear: that we will never hesitate to deal firmly with those elements who are bent on fomenting anarchy and criminal activities,” added Mugabe, who has been in power since the former Rhodesia gained independence on April 18 1980.
Mugabe, already subject to Western sanctions over allegations he rigged his re-election in 2002, has come in for withering criticism from the United States and the European Union over the recent arrest and assault on senior members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), including Tsvangirai.
The president, who has previously said Tsvangirai effectively asked for his treatment, again swatted away accusations he did not tolerate dissent.
”The opposition has all the room for its activities, provided they act legally. Once they start acting illegally they come up against the laws of the country,” he said.
Tsvangirai was again accused by Mugabe of being used by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush as part of a campaign to bring about regime change.
”Blair and Bush say they don’t recognise the president of Zimbabwe, they don’t recognise the elections of 2002 and then Tsvangirai says: ‘Yes, I agree with you’. That’s where we differ with Tsvangirai,” said Mugabe.
”If only he had ideas to improve the welfare of the people we would gladly accept those ideas. The only idea he has is that Mugabe should go and I, Tsvangirai, should come in.”
Mugabe delivered his speech at a stadium in Harare’s oldest township Mbare, a traditional stronghold of his Zanu-PF party, where the first independence celebrations were held 27 years ago.
The 35 000-capacity stadium was full and security guards even had to turn away supporters.
The crowds repeatedly chanted ”Gushungo, Gushungo”, Mugabe’s clan name. Many also held placards bearing messages of support and T-shirts bearing the slogan ”Zimbabwe at 27”.
Vice-President Joyce Mujuru, who has been rumoured to be eyeing the presidency, was among those in attendance but heads of state from other Southern African countries were noticeable by their absence.
While regional leaders have been wary of publicly criticising Mugabe, they are increasingly worried about the fall-out from a country where inflation is zooming towards 2 000% and four out of five people are unemployed.
Tsvangirai was also absent but the MDC said there was little to celebrate.
”We would have wanted to attend this national event but who in his right sense would want to subject themselves to insults and risk being physically attacked,” said MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa.
”Independence is about jobs, proper healthcare, freedom and justice but all these critical ingredients of independence are not there,” he added.
Zim Cabinet approves election harmonisation
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved a proposal by the ruling party to bring forward parliamentary elections and hold them at the same time as next year’s presidential ballot, state media reported on Wednesday.
The plan will see future presidential terms reduced from six to five years and therefore automatically coincide with parliamentary polls.
It was first put forward at a central committee meeting of the Zanu-PF last month.
The government-run Herald newspaper quoted Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa as saying that the changes would also see the number of lawmakers increase from 150 to 210.
The proposal still needs the formal approval of MPs but that is seen as a formality as Zanu-PF enjoys a large majority in parliament. — AFP
