The Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front knew what to do to fix the economy when it went into the doldrums but self-interest among the key insiders prevented the party from taking the needed reforms.
This was said by Eddison Zvobgo junior six years ago as the country’s economy continued to tumble.
Zvobgo said President Robert Mugabe was tired and had talked about leaving but he was concerned about giving up control and then being prosecuted by his successor as had occurred in Zambia and Malawi.
Full cable:
Viewing cable 06HARARE1375, ZANU-PF INSIDER ON MUGABE’S PLANS
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 HARARE 001375
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
AF/S FOR S. HILL
NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR B. PITTMAN
USAID FOR M. COPSON AND E. LOKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2011
SUBJECT: ZANU-PF INSIDER ON MUGABE’S PLANS
Classified By: Ambassador Christopher Dell under Section 1.5 b/d
——-
Summary
——-
¶1. (C) ZANU-PF insider Eddie Zvogbo, Jr. told the Ambassador
November 14 that President Mugabe has talked about resigning
but is concerned that he may be prosecuted by his successors.
Zvobgo said if Mugabe clings to power too long a crisis
could develop as the economy continues to deteriorate. Young
ZANU-PF Turks, with whom Zvobgo is affiliated, are flexing
their muscles in an effort to wield more power but are not
yet prepared to revolt. The military has expressed concern
about the current situation but has been bought off for now
and is also not yet prepared to act. Zvobgo added that
longer-term the MDC remained popular and a threat to ZANU-PF
rule despite recent electoral defeats. The Ambassador
responded that the USG is not focusing on Mugabe but on what
comes next and how we can play a constructive role. End
Summary.
———————–
Mugabe Endgame Nearing?
———————–
¶2. (C) According to Zvogbo, Mugabe is tired and has talked
of leaving. Avenues could include establishing the office of
prime minister and giving that individual executive authority
while remaining president or leaving government altogether
but retaining control of the party structure. Zvobgo said,
however, that Mugabe is concerned about giving up control and
then being prosecuted by his successor, as occurred in
neighboring Zambia and Malawi.
¶3. (C) Zvogbo expressed concern that if Mugabe tries to hang
on too long there could be a crisis. ZANU-PF knows what to
do to fix the economy but the self-interest of key insiders
has prevented the party from taking the needed reforms.
Frustration with this policy drift is fueling discontent
among regime loyalists, including the “Young Turks” in
parliament with whom Zvobgo associates. That said, Mugabe is
the country,s first president and a liberation hero and
there is reluctance to force him out.
¶4. (C) The Ambassador referred to the common knowledge in
Zimbabwe that senior military leaders had urged the president
to step aside and noted that the military is not immune from
the economic melt down. Could they force him out? Zvogbo
responded that historically they have been bought off with
cars and farms. While the military has expressed concern
about the economic situation in Zimbabwe, they have not
opposed Mugabe. Mugabe at present can handle the military
but that could change and may be very different for his
successor.
¶5. (C) The Ambassador asked whether the December ZANU-PF
party conference was likely to provide clarification on
succession and when presidential elections will take place.
Zvogbo replied that clarity would alienate the faction not
anointed as successor. Therefore, it was in Mugabe,s
interest to delay decisions. Moreover, it,s still an
advantage for Mugabe to be politically indecisive. ZANU-PF
players try to curry favor with him while the president
remains the ultimate power broker.
————————–
Parliamentary Independence
HARARE 00001375 002 OF 002
————————–
¶6. (C) The Ambassador asked about the recent activity of
Parliamentary Portfolio Committees in investigating actions
of government ministries and calling ministers to testify.
Zvobgo responded that the Young Turks were also growing
impatient with the executive holding all the reins of power.
Zvogbo said the parliamentarians want to exercise power and
improve governance.
¶7. (C) Zvogbo said the executive branch, embarrassed by
revelations of government misconduct, was beginning to push
back and that Parliamentary speaker John Nkomo is in a
&tricky8 position, on the one hand charged with presiding
over parliament, on the other expected to protect the
government. The Ambassador said that to his mind, this was a
positive development that perhaps indicated ZANU-PF has the
capacity for renovation. When change occurs, ZANU-PF
moderates can participate or even take the lead.
———————–
On the recent elections
———————–
¶8. (C) Commenting on the recent rural council elections,
Zvogbo said low turnout was the key factor in the result.
This was in large part due, he said, to the fact that people
are discouraged at the lack of change. He noted the apathy
among ZANU-PF voters in his home province of Masvingo. He
said there remains a huge pool of potential support for the
MDC, which could threaten ZANU-PF,s hold on power in a free
and fair election.
———————
The USG*Looking Ahead
———————
¶9. (C) Zvogbo asked the Ambassador what USG plans are for
engagement with the government. The Ambassador replied that
there is no basis for bridge building with the present
regime. We’re concentrating on what comes next. The recent
ABAZ conference is an example of an effort to talk
constructively about what can be done in the transitional
period and beyond to rebuild Zimbabwe. We want to talk with
people in the business community, in ZANU-PF, and throughout
Zimbabwe about the future and how the USG can play a
constructive role. Zvogbo welcomed the Ambassador’s
comments. He added that USG food aid and HIV/AIDS assistance
continues to demonstrate the good will of the U.S. toward
Zimbabwe and is appreciated by the people if not the
government.
——-
Comment
——-
¶10. (C) Zvogbo, the son and namesake of Mugabe’s late Vice
President and nemesis, provided an inside look at ZANU-PF
that confirms other reports of unrest within the ruling
party. It appears increasingly the case that if Mugabe
continues to delay the inevitable, he may spark open dissent
in his own party. The December conference, or rather its
aftermath, could be critical in that regard. If, as
expected, Mugabe once again puts off any discussion of the
succession, we could see a spike in internal opposition with
unpredictable consequences.
DELL
(42 VIEWS)
