Political analyst says MDC arrests signify government’s fear of Tsvangirai

By Tererai Karimakwenda

15 March 2006

The ongoing arrests and harassment of MDC officials is just a sign that the government views the MDC and Morgan Tsvangirai as the real enemy. This was the view offered by political analyst and commentator Dr John Makumbe, and it came on a day that the state controlled Herald newspaper reported that another MDC official had been arrested. Timothy Mubhawu, MDC MP for Mabvuku and Tafara, was arrested Tuesday night and is facing charges under The Public Order and Security Act. The Herald claimed Mubhawu insulted Robert Mugabe while talking to a group of soldiers he had given a lift. The MP allegedly asked: "Why do you let Mugabe let you suffer?” According to The Herald, a soldier reported him to the police. Mubhawu has denied the charge.

Dr Makumbe told us that the regime in the country wants to weaken MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai and to humiliate the MDC and its members of parliament. He added that they are ultimately desperate for the scheduled congress not to take place. He said: “But they have run out of ideas on how to discredit Tsvangirai. They tried treason charges and other tactics and have now resorted to harassing even the rank and file of the party. They do not know what to do.”

As we spoke to Dr Makumbe, we received reports that the MP Giles Mutsekwa and other MDC officials who were arrested in Mutare last week had been released without charge. Dr. Makumbe said: “ Sometimes I think this country is run by morons. They do the same thing over and over without getting the desired results. They did it to Sithole, Muzorewa, Nkomo and to Tekere.” Dr. Makumbe then explained how all this harassment only makes the MDC stronger and more popular with the people.

Asked whether he believes the government wants to stop Tsvangirai from having the congress this weekend, Dr Makumbe said the police just wanted to intimidate people and hopefully stop them from going to Harare for the event. He said banning the congress would not destroy the MDC. And he added that since the Mutambara MDC faction was allowed to have their congress, denying Tsvangirai would mean that he is doing something right and is the real enemy.