Tsvangirai backtracks on removing Mugabe

Former Prime Minister and MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has backtracked on getting rid of rival President Robert Mugabe violently.

Years ago, Tsvangirai warmed Mugabe that he would be toppled violently is he does not go peacefully.

However, in a interview with a South African publication seen by Bulawayo24.com, Tsvangirai seem to have had a rethink.

"I have always said that the first thing we must agree is that Mugabe must retire" he said.

"The danger of having unceremonious removal of Mugabe will create a chaos scenario. We must find a way of persuading him, if he can be persuaded to exit with a dignified exit.

"Not that I support him, but the first stage is to get him out of the way".

However, according to Tsvangirai the country is at a "rock bottom" stage.

"The elections in 2018 have to deliver change, or there is nothing left for the people.

"There's no way we can go beyond where we have gone, we are at rock bottom. The only option available to us is to rise. That's my optimistic assessment".

He added " But, of course, we have to do so in the right manner. And we can do it in a short period of time."