Zim transition worrisome - DNA
THE Zambian DNA is concerned with the transition of power following the resignation of Zimbabwe’s leader Robert Mugabe.
Zambian DNA spokesman Spuki Mulemwa appealed to SADC TROIKA defence and security chairman, Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu to help that country stick to the Constitution to avoid turning the situation into turmoil.
“The 93-year –old liberation hero, who ruled that country for 37 years with an iron fist, whose sacking of his vice Emmerson Munangagwa sparked a peaceful military intervention in a crisis that would have turned bloody cannot pass without comment.
“More so, Zambian DNA is concerned about how Zimbabweans will handle the transition of power after Mugabe’s resignation,” Mr Mulemwa said.
He commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for holding the country together during the one week long military take over which forced the 93 year old dictator to give up his power following massive countrywide protests demanding for his resignation.
“The Zimbabwean crisis‘s peaceful military intervention, a unique action in military history, was reinforced by SADC’s swift mediation efforts,” he said.
He hailed the role taken by the military and the war veterans in resolving the crisis as a crucial and critical one that continue to shape the country‘s political landscape, but that they should stick to the constitution.
“It’s for this reason we echo President Edgar Lungu’s advice, in his capacity as SADC defense and security organ TROIKA‘s vice chair, to the Zimbabweans to stick to that country’s constitution during the transition of power,” he said.
He ha also hailed that while Zimbabwe only knows Mugabe as their president for 37 years, Zambia has had six Presidents during the same periodand has embraced democracy and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the British Government says they do not regret the downfall of Zimbabwean president whom they accused of squandering the country’s economic potential during his 37year reign.
High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet said time has come for hope for the people of Zimbabwe to realise their vision of a country they dreamed.
"The British Government does not pretend to regret Mugabe's downfall: the UK hopes that Zimbabweans will now achieve the brighter future they deserve," he said.
He called on the Zimbabweans to ensure the put in place a legitimate Government through a free and fair election in accordance with the constitution, and that “to this end – and as Zimbabwe’s oldest friend - Britain stands ready to work alongside the country’s people, the international community, and partners in the region such as the Republic of Zambia under the leadership of HE President Edgar Lungu.”