Mugabe key to solving Zimbabwe’s problems says Msipa

Former Midlands governor and veteran politician Cephas Msipa says President Robert Mugabe is the key to solving Zimbabwe’s current problems and one of the ways he can do so is to set out a clear succession plan.

He says Zimbabweans might actually forgive him for everything he is accused of having done in the past three-and-half decades if he voluntarily steps down and would have the support of elders.

Msipa told Newsday: “Mugabe should be looking beyond his party because he is the so-called only centre of power and can do what he wants. I would have him use that opportunity to now move and set out a clear succession plan….

“There is no solution to Zimbabwe’s problems without ZANU- PF. Mugabe is part of the problems and he should be part of the solution as well. He needs to accept that there is going to be change, but he needs to manage that. He can facilitate the change of leadership.”

The former governor said Mugabe should allow people to start talking about succession and in the process of talking they will find answers.

“Mugabe should take the lead. He is the key. He has the power and support of his party and can provide direction. He can make his party turn left or right. It is up to him to come up with a plan to manage the transition.

“I am not asking him to re-invent the wheel. There are examples all over, like Nyerere did in Tanzania. He needs to really think about it and understand that a peaceful transition will be the best thing he could bequeath to this country.

“Zimbabweans might actually forgive him for everything he is accused of having done in the past three-and-half decades.  He needs to say to himself: ‘I do not want this country to sink with me, I want it to prosper’.

“There are quite a number of elders in the country who would be willing to help and I will be willing to assist in that process as well,” Msipa said.

Zimbabwe’s succession battle has raged for more than two decades. The only constant player remains Emerson Mnangagwa but he only rose to Vice-President two years ago.

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