INSIDER'S VIEW OF MDC-T

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 02 OF 02 HARARE 000035 SIPDIS AF/S FOR BRIAN WALCH NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR MICHELLE GAVIN E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2020 TAGS: PREL PGOV ZI SUBJECT: INSIDER'S VIEW OF MDC-T *********************** * Missing Section 001 * *********************** HARARE 00000035 002 OF 002 Zimbabwe Independent that reported MDC-T had launched a corruption investigation focused on MDC ministers Giles Mutsekwa (co-Minister of Home Affairs),Elias Mudzuri (Minister of Energy) and Murisi Zwizwai (Deputy Minister of Mines). Chamisa replied that an investigation of MDC-T ministers would play into ZANU-PF's hands. The only investigation that was taking place was of selected local overnment councils controlled by MDC-T, Chitungwiza (a large Harare suburb) in particular. But MDC-T was concerned about the named ministers. Zwizwai was suspected of collaborating too closely with ZANU-PF elements in the exploitation of the Chiadzwa diamond fields. There were reports that Mudzuri was enriching himself through the import of fuel. And Mutsekwa appeared to be working too closely with his ZANU-PF co-Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi. MDC-T would investigate, according to Chamisa, but informally. He said this would be somewhat difficult since Tsvangirai was personally close to the ministers and was reluctant to take action. ¶6. (C) We also asked Chamisa about a common perception that the Office of the Prime Minister was weak and had failed to play a coordinating role for government ministries. Chamisa agreed. Ian Makone, Tsvangirai's chief of staff, was ineffective. But Makone was a good friend of Tsvangirai and it was unlikely that Tsvangirai would make a change. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶7. (C) Biti initially opposed MDC-T's entry into government and there have been rumors ever since of deep-seated divisions within the party. Chamisa's take on the issue supports what we have heard from others. There are differences within MDC-T, particularly on tactics, but MDC-T is basically unified and focused on an electoral strategy. ¶8. (C) Chamisa and many of his MDC-T allies do not see fundamental change without elections, and therefore would like to have elections in 2011. But ZANU-PF is unlikely to support this. It needs to resolve its succession issue and attempt to rebuild. And many MDC parliamentarians are afraid of losing their seats. The constitutional process will determine the timing of elections, but at this point in time, 2011 appears unlikely. RAY