Zapu leader says a ‘revolt is the only way of dealing with Mugabe’

By Tichaona Sibanda
15 December 2006

Zapu leader Paul Siwela said on Friday Zanu (PF) will never be defeated in any election and the only way of forcing them out is to make ‘things difficult for them.’

In his party’s end of year message Siwela anticipated a much harder year for Zimbabweans next year, but said the suffering masses can help extricate themselves from the ‘mess’ by forcing Mugabe to respect opposing views.

‘The electoral process will not change anything in Zimbabwe. Forget it… never. If there is anyone who thinks he’s going into an election and remove Zanu (PF) then he is day-dreaming. That will never happen, this is the time people should be thinking of other ideas like a revolt, I don’t know but yes it is possible,’ Siwela said.

The outspoken and fearless Siwela said it appears the opposition and all progressive forces in the country had been subdued by the regime to a point where no-one now has a clue as to how to remove Mugabe.

‘As it is there is not a single attempt being made to remove the present government. To do so you need to be daring or match their every move. All we have are opposition figures projecting and sending a lot of information to the public that they are doing something when there is nothing happening on the ground,’ he said.

Siwela said anyone fighting against Mugabe should desist from making wild statements that create an impression something is being done because it gives people a false sense of hope. He believes people should be open and frank about their shortcomings.

‘Let’s tell the people of Zimbabwe and the outside world that we have failed to get rid of Mugabe because we have run out of resources, we have run out of money. By doing so, people will understand why Mugabe is still in power and not to lie to them and say he would be gone by this time next year,’ said Siwela.

He said such a strategy will get the population moving and participate in all efforts to free themselves from the tyranny.