MDC president addresses diplomats after rallies in Mat North

By Tererai Karimakwenda
09 November 2005

MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai addressed the diplomatic community in Harare on Thursday after a whirlwind tour of the Matabeleland North region over the weekend. Tsvangirai told the diplomats that the last few weeks had been a period of anxiety and uncertainty among observers of the democratic struggle in Zimbabwe. He said the gathering was an opportunity to set the record straight and allay any lingering fears among friends and well-wishers abroad.

As for the future, Tsvangirai said those present at the November 5th National Council had resolved to stay united, and a National Council team has already begun work on the healing process as part of internal party efforts to address their differences. He said meetings are taking place countrywide and he was confident they would triumph and allow the people to start afresh in new Zimbabwe.

When the MDC split into 2 factions over differences regarding the senate elections, the pro-senate faction said as part of their argument that they did not want ZANU-PF to make inroads and gain strength in Matabeleland province where the MDC dominates. This past weekend MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai toured parts of that area addressing rallies.

Journalist Frank Chikowore was following the Tsvangirai campaign. He told us that the rallies have been attracting large crowds and that more are scheduled in Matabeleland for this coming weekend, including Lupane. Chikowore said allegations reported in the state media that Tsvangirai had fled from an attack by MDC youth in Lupane were false. The Lupane rally never took place and is actually scheduled for later this week.

Tsvangirai addressed an estimated crowd of about 5000 in Victoria Falls on Saturday. He then continued onto Hwange on Sunday and one other stop on Monday.

You can read the letter here