President Robert Mugabe said on Monday he remained committed to Zimbabwe’s shaky unity government, in a softening of tone after months of tensions with his rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
“I am happy to report that the global political principals will continue to do their best to give this country, our country, the political and socio-economic direction it needs to take,” Mugabe told thousands at a rally to celebrate 31 years of independence from Britain.
Mugabe has for months railed against the accord that created the unity government two years ago, telling his party conference in December that it “can’t be allowed to continue”.
Softer tone
After repeatedly calling for the country to hold elections, he said on Monday that Zimbabwe should only hold polls after a new constitution is drawn up, in line with the unity deal.
“Following the successful completion of the constitution-making outreach programme, the government now awaits the finalisation of the outstanding processes, ahead of elections, as is stipulated in the global political agreement,” he said.
The softer tone came after the security organ of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) called on Zimbabwe to end political violence and follow through on the constitutional process to ensure basic freedoms.
Mugabe had initially rejected the SADC position, saying: “Even our neighbours cannot dictate to us.”
That sparked a diplomatic spat with regional powerhouse South Africa, which brokered the unity deal and is a crucial economic partner. Mugabe’s spokesperson has since backed away from the remarks. — Sapa-AFP