News / National
'Mugabe must go' narrative taken over by Mnangagwa, Chiwenga
22 Apr 2018 at 12:14hrs | Views
ZIMBABWE'S opposition parties had the rug pulled from under their feet after President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his military allies dramatically took over power last November, academic and human rights lawyer Brian Kagoro has said.
Speaking at a Southern African Political and Economic Series (Sapes) discussion in Harare this past week, Kagoro said the opposition needed to find new narratives after its 'Mugabe must go' campaign premise was rendered redundant, NewZimbabwe.com reported.
"The 'Mugabe must go' narrative has been taken over by Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. They have done a very good job of it although they needed us to be in front of military tanks," Kagoro said.
Kagoro said Mnangagwa's government also appears to have been accepted by the international community in contrast to the Mugabe regime which was effectively shut out by western countries for nearly two decades.
"Chiwenga and Mnangagwa are pushing a re-engagement agenda. A lot of people are believing them," said Kagoro, adding that the new government has also embarked on an economic reform agenda that is resonating with business locally and internationally.
"They are pursuing a particular type of economic reform; but we have not seen alternative voices to critic the new narrative."
Kagoro also lamented what he described as a "dearth of intellectual capacity and leadership in the opposition".
Speaking at a Southern African Political and Economic Series (Sapes) discussion in Harare this past week, Kagoro said the opposition needed to find new narratives after its 'Mugabe must go' campaign premise was rendered redundant, NewZimbabwe.com reported.
"The 'Mugabe must go' narrative has been taken over by Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. They have done a very good job of it although they needed us to be in front of military tanks," Kagoro said.
Kagoro said Mnangagwa's government also appears to have been accepted by the international community in contrast to the Mugabe regime which was effectively shut out by western countries for nearly two decades.
"Chiwenga and Mnangagwa are pushing a re-engagement agenda. A lot of people are believing them," said Kagoro, adding that the new government has also embarked on an economic reform agenda that is resonating with business locally and internationally.
"They are pursuing a particular type of economic reform; but we have not seen alternative voices to critic the new narrative."
Kagoro also lamented what he described as a "dearth of intellectual capacity and leadership in the opposition".
Source - newzimbabwe
