Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) veterans association says opposition parties must not rush to partake in the national dialogue meetings led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the ruling party is good at using other parties for their own political gain.
ZPRA was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People`s Union (ZAPU) during the liberation struggle.
Speaking to CITE, Tuesday, two of the association`s senior members said the ruling party has a long history of engaging in selfish politics dating back to the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987.
“We advise those getting in dialogue not to allow ZANU-PF to facilitate the meeting because ZANU has a tendency of using others when they are low and take all the victory after they have been assisted,” said ZIPRA spokesperson Buster Magwizi.
He said the current dialogue is just a ploy by the ruling party to gain political mileage through these small political parties.
“They are now seeking a political mileage where they can jumpstart themselves,” said Magwizi
He also highlighted because of the instability of the country and his fears, Mnangagwa called an “unfair” national dialogue.
“ZANU-PF is now weak that is why they are calling for a dialogue. They have realised that the world no longer likes what is happening in the country”.
The association`s vice secretary-general Job Ndlovu said a proper dialogue should focus on the current political situation in the country.
“The ideal dialogue should talk about the current political situation in the country before talking about the economy because we cannot talk about the economy before addressing the politics.
“What happens during elections foretells the economy of the nation. We have to talk about voter intimidation, brutality and follow the constitution as this will affect the economy,” said Ndlovu.
President Mnangagwa called for a national dialogue meeting which was snubbed by the main opposition party, MDC, and the Joice Mujuru led National People`s Party.
MDC president Nelson Chamisa said he would only engage in dialogue with President Mnangagwa if there is a neutral arbiter and venue.
