Chimanikire quits Mutambara's MDC faction

Chimanikire quits Mutambara's MDC faction

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ARTHUR Mutambara's battle for the control of Zimbabwe's biggest opposition party suffered a body blow Wednesday when Gift Chimanikire announced he was resigning from his position as chairman.

Defections from his faction to a Morgan Tsvangirai-led splinter group of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have been chipping away at Mutambara's authority, but he still came out bullish and defiant Wednesday.

Mutambara said: "On our part, we remain resolute and unequivocally committed to the struggle for democracy and the betterment of all Zimbabweans. We continue to pledge our unwavering commitment to complete the struggle against the Mugabe dictatorship and to deliver a better life to all citizens."

Mbare MP Chimanikire is the fourth senior official from Mutambara's faction to resign, following in the foot steps of Binga MP Joel Gabhuza, Kwekwe MP Blessing Chebundo and former Daily News CEO Sam Sipepa Nkomo.

Chimanikire's departure was less surprising after he clashed with senior officials in Mutambara's faction over the rocket scientist's nomination for the top job. Chimanikire wanted to be leader.

Announcing Chimanikire's departure, Mutambara urged other leaders "who have developed cold feet or doubts about the efficacy of our values on non violence, democracy, equality and respect for the dignity of every Zimbabwean" to resign.

He said: "Mr Chimanikire on the 18th of April 2006, handed in his letter of resignation from the position of national chairperson. We wish him well. We continue to call upon any remaining members in similar situations to take this opportunity and resign."

The MDC, the biggest opposition to President Robert Mugabe's 26-year rule split last November following sharp differences between senior leaders over the policy of participating in elections.

Tsvangirai who has led the opposition party since formation, opposed participating in senate elections but some of his senior colleagues, including Chimanikire, differed sharply leading to a split.

They accused Tsvangirai of being a "dictator" after he overruled a decision of the party's national council to participate in elections, but Tsvangirai insists that it was within his rights as leader to do so.

Both MDC factions have successfully held their congresses to elect new leadership. They both now have parallel structures in every district of the country, with a court battle looming over the party name and ownership of the party's resources.
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