Denford Magora's Latest Zimbabwe News Blog

Serious disagreements emerged within the government of President Mnangagwa immediately after the election observer missions' interim statements in Harare this week. Vice President Chiwenga reads the observer mission statements, especially the European and other Western powers utterances, as indication that there is not going to be any difference in the approach of the West to the newly elected government of Emmerson Mnangagwa. President Mnangagwa, on the other hand, is of the view that whatever criticisms are leveled at the country, its institutions and this election must be accepted as good faith criticism that should be incorporated into reforming key areas of the country that can make Zimbabwe a strong democracy. "Your strategy has failed," VP Chiwenga, we are reliably told, said to President Mnangagwa on Thursday this week. "It has failed. We open up more, allowing anyone to do what they want, Zimbabweans will think this is a sign of weakness on the p...

A clearly glum and disappointed Mugabe, sans hair-dye and hence with his white hair showing, and looking bedraggles by his standards, tried to put on a brave face after meeting the European Union Delegation at State House in Harare. Even his long-serving "apostle" (mupositori) bodyguard looks disappointed and glum! Morgan Tsvangirai is still in Matabeleland and the delegation flew off to Bulawayo soon after meeting Mugabe. They can be seen here addressing the media in that city together with Morgan Tsvangirai, soon after they met him. Sanctions remain. Harare, Zimbabwe, 13 September 2009 For a whole hour today, a delegation of 14 European Union officials had to listen to Robert "The Solution" Mugabe go on and on and on and on and on about sanctions and how they are jeopardising the Zimbabwe Inclusive Government. The delegation met with Mugabe at State House, where he now prefers to work, leaving the official Presidential Office complex, Munhumutapa Building, to Mor...