US ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols speaks out for the first time since Zimbabwe's ruling party called him a 'thug'
The ambassador said some of the concerns are “shared mutually” with some senior officials in government who believe the country’s future depends on enacting broad reforms around freedom of expression, rule of law, strong institutions, anti-corruption, and levelling the political playing field.
Nichols is not alone in calling for dialogue between Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa. Killer Zivhu, a former Zanu-PF legislator, was expelled from the party last month for making the same call. Last week, former Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono also suggested dialogue between opposing parties — but instead of having SA play the mediation role, he suggested Rwanda’s Paul Kagame for the task. Gono argued that because of his military background Kagame could do a better job.
Gono suggested that Zimbabwe should have a transitional authority while the country works on a framework for reform before elections are brought back.“That is something that we have supported for the last couple of years. Several civic society organisations are advocating for that solution. How that dialogue progresses and what agreements come out of it, will depend on the people of Zimbabwe.
Despite Harare denying there’s a crisis in the country, there has been an increased onslaught on opposition political activists. MDC Alliance legislator Job Sikhala was on Friday arrested and charged with inciting public violence by backing the July 31 protests. He joins journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume who were denied bail.
Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party last month called Nichols a “thug” and accused him of funding the opposition ahead of the planned antigovernment protests that authorities said were meant to overthrow the government.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nishikori's U.S. Open hopes fade with second Covid-19 positiveKei Nishikori's hopes of playing at the U.S. Open have faded further after the Japanese former world number four revealed he had tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time.
Read more »
Serena Williams says U.S. Open title would not be diminished by pulloutsSix of the top 10 women's players, including defending champion Bianca Andreescu and world number 1 Ash Barty, have dropped out of the Aug. 31-Sept. 13 U.S. Open, boosting Williams' chance of winning the major for the first time since 2014.
Read more »
SA’s world No.7 KG Montjane abandons US Open because of Covid-19South Africa’s top wheelchair tennis star and world No 7 Kgothatso “KG” Montjane has explained the reasons for skipping this year’s US Open‚ which offered her another opportunity to win her first Grand Slam.
Read more »
No joy for US post official Louis DeJoy, who denies trying to thwart voting by mailDeJoy, a major Republican donor, was selected in May by the Postal Service Board of Governors, which is controlled by Donald Trump appointees
Read more »
US media take on Apple over App Store commissionMajor American media organisations have written to Apple pushing for the iPhone maker to charge less to feature on its App Store.
Read more »
Meghan Markle calls for 'change' in upcoming US electionMeghan Markle broke from protocol normally followed by British royals in calling for a 'change' in the upcoming US presidential election.
Read more »