Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai says it is worried about attempts by First Lady Grace Mugabe’s moves to create a Mugabe dynasty.
Responding to Mrs. Mugabe’s remarks that President Robert Mugabe should name a successor, the MDC-T said the first lady appears to be gearing herself for taking over from the 93 year-old Zimbabwean leader.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign republic and not a monarchy. Recent remarks by Grace Mugabe to the effect that President Robert Mugabe should appoint or nominate his successor seem to suggest that a Mugabe dynasty must be created. Whilst the MDC is not concerned about the internal squabbling and vicious factional fights within the crumbling Zanu PF regime, we have got every reason to get worried and seriously concerned when attempts are being openly made to create a Mugabe dynasty.”
The MDC-T noted that as a social democratic political party, “the MDC will never, ever condone the creation of a Mugabe political dynasty or any other family dynasty for that matter. As a sovereign republic, Zimbabwe should be governed by a legitimate and responsible administration that is elected by the people in free and fair elections, in accordance with the dictates of our national Constitution.
“In this respect, therefore, we are in full agreement with the statement that was issued by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) in which they are calling for the arrest of Grace Mugabe for telling Mugabe to appoint a successor. Not too long ago, some very senior leaders of the ZNLWVA were arrested for making the exact utterances as those made by Grace Mugabe.”
There was no immediate response from the ruling Zanu PF party and the president’s office.