Zimbabwe bars Zambian opposition leader

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe's government has reportedly blocked Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilemba from coming into the country and address the local opposition MDC Renewal Team party's inaugural congress in Harare this weekend.

The Tendai Biti-led party had invited Hichilemba, leader of Zambia's United Party for National Development, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki's younger brother, Moeletsi, as its guest speakers.

MDC Renewal Team's incoming organising secretary Solomon Madzore told NewsDay yesterday that both Hachilemba and Moeletsi were no longer coming.

"Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed there is a complication with his (Hachilemba) invitation that they could not explain to us," he said.

Madzore said Mbeki cancelled due to his hectic schedule.

Contacted for comment, Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Joey Bimha said the ministry "has no mandate to deny anyone entry into Zimbabwe".