MDC mediator Brian Raftopoulos welcomes Mutambara factor

By Violet Gonda

27 February 2006

In the aftermath of the congress by the MDC pro-senate faction that took place in Bulawayo this past weekend, political analyst and MDC advisor Professor Brian Raftopoulos said the election of former student leader Arthur Mutambara as leader of the pro-senate camp is a positive development. He said Mutambara adds a new dimension to the leadership, and introduces a new important figure into the political scene.

But Raftopoulos warned that, “It’s early days yet as we have to see how both Arthur and his leadership introduce him to the Zimbabwean public. The biggest challenge that faces him is how he grows as a national figure.”

Mutambara who returned back after several years in the Diaspora, was elected unopposed for the faction that broke with leader Morgan Tsvangirai over last year’s senatorial election.

Gift Chimanikire was elected the party’s chairman while Gibson Sibanda and Welshman Ncube retained their positions as Vice President and Secretary General respectively at the congress that was attended by at least 3000 delegates.

In his acceptance speech Mutambara said that his immediate goal would be to try and reconcile the warring factions. Observers have said it may be a tall order for him as he is one of the few people in that group who has echoed remarks for unity. Professor Raftopoulos said, “He has to now build his leadership and those around him have to work together to support him and they can’t afford to get into any divisive battle again.”

He added, “It’s important for Morgan Tsvangirai and his team to look at what’s been done this weekend, to listen to the messages (Mutambara’s speech) that’s coming out of there and see where the possible linkage and bridges are.”

Meanwhile, the MDC faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai has already dismissed the congress held in Bulawayo saying it was meaningless as it was held by people who do not represent the MDC.

Raftopoulos said this kind of “bravado” should be expected initially but the reality is that the MDC is now split and that there are two parties emerging carrying the name and that legacy, and they will have to deal with each other in the future.

He said, “What’s important is that both sides consider national issues in Zimbabwe, that they can find ways to work together to find common strategic objectives. The common issue is to change the current political environment in Zimbabwe.”

On questions about why Mutambara has been silent all these years, Raftopoulos believes that no matter what leader comes along there will always be questions. He said, “Mutambara now has to build trust and he can only do this by being active, by being present and by being public. That is the task that he faces.”