ACADEMIC and political analyst Ibbo Mandaza says that a transitional government in the form of a government of national unity (GNU), followed by elections two years later is the way to go in resolving Zimbabwe’s political crisis.

Speaking on a BBC television programme, Hardtalk hosted by Stephen Sackur, Mandaza said there was need to mediate the conflict and have national dialogue which includes everybody, including main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to form a transitional authority.

“Clearly yes, it appears to me that (former Vice-President Emmerson) Mnangagwa has been the chosen one for the army. It is difficult because the (former President Robert) Mugabe era and Mnangagwa are one and the same and it is a factional fight within Zanu PF,” he said.

Mandaza said events that led to the military action arose from fear by the generals that they would be charged with treason by Mugabe. The political expert said he did not think that the whole thing was the work of Western forces or even China, which certain people now suspected to have orchestrated the plan to remove Mugabe.

“I know China as not interfering in external affairs, except in its own neighbourhood. I think that is mere speculation, there is no evidence to that effect nor is there evidence that Western countries are involved,” Mandaza said.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has said the current political crisis should be kept inclusive, beyond and broader than Zanu PF.

“The people who came out on Saturday were not just Zanu PF supporters. At Zimbabwe Grounds, before he even started speaking, (Patrick) Chinamasa (Zanu PF legal secretary) was booed. That is why he made those bold statements attacking Mugabe and Grace. He was trying to get a positive reception,” Mutambara said.

“While it is clear that Zanu PF succession matters triggered the current events and Zanu PF will try to be the biggest beneficiary, there is need for everyone involved in the current events to be inclusive, magnanimous and national interest-driven.”

He said Zanu PF should apologise and retract Chinamasa’s “arrogant and tragic attacks” on the opposition.

Mutambara said rather than drag the country through impeachment, Mugabe should have just put national interest first and resigned, which he finally did yesterday. Newsday