Mbeki Meets Mugabe in Zimbabwe

by Jarrett Martineau | May 9, 2008 at 05:42 pm | 322 views | 3 comments

Zimbabwe - Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny

South African president Thabo Mbeki spent four hours visiting with Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe today, much to the chagrin and disappointment of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who has publicly stated his lack of confidence in Mbeki's ability to mediate the tense political situation in Zimbabwe.

Thabo Mbeki, the South African president, has visited Zimbabwe for talks with the country's president over the political crisis and violence following disputed elections in March.

Mbeki met Robert Mugabe on Friday in Harare, as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) demanded that Mbeki step down as mediator in the crisis.

Mbeki is on his third visit on behalf of the Southern African Development Community, and was met at the capital's international airport where he walked hand in hand with Mugabe and was decorated with flower garlands.

The talks lasted for nearly four hours, after which Mbeki returned to South Africa. He did not talk to any other government officials or opposition leaders.

The MDC, which won the March 29 parliamentary elections and claims its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, also won the presidential vote outright, said that it had not been invited to the talks between Mbeki and Mugabe.

They have called for Mbeki to be dismissed as a mediator due to his softy-softly approach towards Mugabe.

Tsvangirai has said that he "has no confidence in Mbeki" and voiced his approval of Levy Mwanawasa, the Zambian president, taking over mediation.

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Adamastor

at 18:34 on May 9th, 2008

good stuff:

Jarrett Martineau, I like this story. It's good stuff.

I would strongly advise Pres. Mbeki not to say: "There is no crisis."

But, my guess is he won't, seeing that nobody else is going to forget it... ever.

samdanu

at 16:55 on May 10th, 2008

good stuff:

Jarrett Martineau, I like this story. It's good stuff.

samdanu

at 17:10 on May 10th, 2008

I like this story. I just pray a nd hope that Morgan Tsvangirai will give way for Mbeki to mediate the political situation in Zimbabwe.

He must also try to find out what has led to the tense political situation in Zimbabwe. I have one question for Morgan Tsvangirai. I want you tell us (Africans) what you will do about the land issue in Zimbabwe if you become the president of that country should you win the run-off? Promise us that you will not give the land back to the white farmers who took over almost all the available land for farming until Robert Mugabe came in and re-distributed the land in Zimbabwe.

Thanks.

Samuel.