Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai Calls for 'Justice,' But Not for Mugabe
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SW Radio Africa (London)
17 September 2008
Posted to the web 18 September 2008
Alex Bell
Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was quoted on Wednesday as saying some senior members of Robert Mugabe's ZANU PF party could face trial over political violence, but not the dictator himself.
Tsvangirai told The Guardian Newspaper: "I don't think Mugabe himself as a person can be held accountable. But there are various levels of institutional violence that have taken place and I'm sure we'll be able to look at that."
Tsvangirai was also quoted in The Times newspaper as saying the government was committed to ensuring there would not be a repeat of the violence that saw thousands flee the country, saying it was 'the darkest period in our history.'
Political analyst Dr John Makumbe from the University of Zimbabwe told Newsreel on Wednesday, it is 'crucial' that the perpetrators of politically motivated violence face the legal system. He argued that the 'culture of impunity must be uprooted before a new government entrenches itself.' Makumbe added that such legal action would 'send a strong message to ZANU PF' that people with 'skeletons in their closets' must not be included in the new government.
Makumbe explained that Tsvangirai is clearly being 'diplomatic' in saying that Mugabe should not face prosecution, and said it will 'jeopardise' the long awaited power sharing deal. But Makumbe said 'the law must take its course above anyone,' even Mugabe. He said the new dispensation must immediately start dealing with matters of impunity and human rights abuses, saying it is a 'crucial part' of the country's future.
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The MDC leader, who will become the Zimbabwean Prime Minister under a deal signed by the country's political rivals on Monday, also spoke to the The Guardian about the 'inherent suspicion' and 'mistrust' of Mugabe, but added 'it's part of his (Mugabe's) legacy.' He said: 'But he (Mugabe) also must understand that the future is not in the hands of Robert Mugabe. The future is in the hands of those who are advocating a change of direction because that is what is going to rescue this country.'
Read comments. Write your own.
Prem, that is a major retracking from your earlier statements about taking Mugabe to ICC. I welcome the "new and improved" Prem. The bottom line is you have willing parties agreeing to form a gov't. Who are the Brits or Americans to tell Zim what to do?
Prem-edidated!Suck on a Lollipop:Try helping Zim's get their 80 years back pay from Brit/U.S.(First).Also get Welfare for all those 1/2 breeds( Caucasions)left there during Occupation.Ask Tvs,Mugabe,or Mutambara,even yourself.Was it Rape or Willing? God Bless Africa and America.Oweij Liebo Tarboro,North Carolina U.S.A.
Leviboone, if you want to see a real "1/2 breed" I suggest that you look in the mirror. You Phiri, As Zimbabwe is so bankrupt, you do not seem to realize that without the help of the EU, America, Britain, Australia, the world Bank etc, Zimbabwe remains in fracas and the people in great need of basic essentials of life. Of course the likes of you care nothing about those who have and still are suffering under Mugabe because you his supporters live in opulence.
Krsj120, It's not that I'm against the USA, UK, etc helping Zimbabwe. The question is will they? Given their demands! It is also fair to say that Zimbabwe should work more with smaller first world countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia) who already tolerate Zimbabweans and have a history of lending money to Zimbabwe. Why waste time with the UK who abuse African issues and exploit issues? Dealing with the UK always ends up as a debating club about nothing!
China, Japan and India already have indicated that they want to help Zimbabwe, why waste time on… [Read Full Text]
Well Phiri, how much have those seven "smaller first world countries" that you mentioned lent Zimbabwe recently? None that I am aware of. Why not? Because they have all had their fingers burned by Mugabe and they are not going to waste their tax payers' money by handing it to an irresponsible crook. International communities have wizened up. I was rather surprised that recently, Egypt lent Zimbabwe 80 million dollars. Unfortunately, if that money is under Mugabe's control, it will be his early Christmas present and it will never reach the Zimbabwean people.
Krjs120, Small western countries already lent Zimbabwe money to maintain the trans Park (with SA, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique). Krjs you do not live in Zimbabwe and most of the time you do not get it! South Africa increased it's share of Platinium mining activities in Zimbabwe within the last 2 years. China (Asian) continues to loan Zimbabwe money for equipment and military hardware, as recently is as last tear. Japan, recently gave Zimbabwe $1.5 million for filtration chemicals. I think you do not count foreign aid already in Zimbabwe because it does not come from the USA and UK! That… [Read Full Text]
Phiri, what good are those loans given by the Chinese to buy bloody equipment and military hardware? The Zimbabweans are hungry. They need food, medicines and all other basic essentials. They need their dignity back. Blithering bloody fools like you Phiri are the ones who even though you live there, just don't get it and never will because you are not men but wimps and do not have the courage to say boo to Mugabe and do what is right. Keep licking Mugabe's boots and crap and that is all the progress you will get.
Krjs120, you have said it better "Zimbabweans are hungry and need food". And guess what, even food from China is very much welcome. Your anglo friends will debate Zimbabwe endless, but Zimbabwe do not need more words, but food!!!
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I am not worried about Mugabe not facing prosecution now. Tsvangirai signed under duress.
His successor in some years will surely feel the evergrowing demand to call Mugabe to account and he will have to allow justice to follow its normal course. Like in Pinochet case!
It's indeed a big relief that Mugabe's cronies could already be called to account for their crimes! NGOs have available already well documented cases of premedidated crimes, rapes and corrupt practices.