Replace Mugabe regime with new democracy, says British minister

BRITAIN has called on the incoming president of Zimbabwe to make good on promises to establish a new democracy, as the first government minister to visit the country in nearly 20 years landed in Harare.

Rory Stewart, Britain’s Minister for Africa, called on Emmerson Mnangagwa to show “clear resolve” on reform as he arrived in Harare for talks with officials and activists yesterday.

The visit came as Zimbabwe’s main opposition party warned that Mr Mnangagwa must dismantle the “pillars of repression” built by Mr Mugabe if he is to live up to public expectations of change.

Mr Mnangagwa, who will be sworn in as president this morning at a ceremony at Harare’s 60,000-seat National Sports Stadium, has a reputation as Mr Mugabe’s enforcer, and was implicated in some of the worst human rights abuses of his 37-year rule.

But the 75-year-old grandee of the ruling Zanu-pf party should be given a chance to demonstrate commitment to reform, the Movement for Democratic Change said in its first statement since Mr Mugabe’s downfall.

“‘Cautiously optimistic’ are the words I would use,” Obert Gutu, the MDC’S spokesman, told The Daily Telegraph. “It is too early to say anything definitively. We will be listening very carefully to his inauguration speech,” he added. “That should give us some indication of the trajectory he intends to follow going forwards.”

Mr Stewart, who is the first British minister to visit since 1998, said: “This is an absolutely critical moment in Zimbabwe’s history. What comes next must be driven by Zimbabweans – it must be in line with the Zimbabwean constitution and will be impossible without clear resolve from the incoming government.” Mr Stewart is not expected to attend the inauguration.

Britain is putting together an unspecified package of support for Zimbabwe, tied with progress on political and economic reform.

“As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend we will do all we can to support a legitimate government to rebuild the country, working with international and regional partners,” Earl Howe, deputy leader of the House of Lords, told peers.

Mr Mugabe is expected to attend today’s inauguration. It is not clear whether his wife Grace, who had fought a fierce political battle with Mr Mnanagagwa over the succession, will join him. The 93-year-old deposed leader was reportedly offered security guarantees for himself and his family, including immunity from prosecution, in exchange for his resignation. His family would be granted a retirement package including a pension, government sources told Reuters.