Makandiwa, Khama nominated to mediate Mnangagwa-Opposition talks

Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of UFC church, former Botswana President Ian Seretse Khama and South Africa’s former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela are among some of the names being considered to mediate talks between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his opposition rivals, ZimLive has learnt.

The shortlist of suggested dialogue conveners includes the United Nations as well as International Ministries.

There has been no agreement on the nominees, however, and leaders of political parties participating in the dialogue are expected to meet and come to an agreement.

The nominations were made by 16 political parties that accepted Mnangagwa’s invitation to a political dialogue, which he hopes will ease political tensions and create support for his economic revival plan which so far appears dead on delivery owing to western sanctions on the country, and international goodwill that evaporated after the Zanu PF leader ordered a post-election military crackdown on opposition supporters last July and fuel protests in January this year.

Five of the 16 participating parties, which exclude the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Nelson Chamisa; Joice Mujuru’s National People’s Party; Nkosana Moyo’s Alliance for the People’s Agenda and Noah Manyika’s Build Zimbabwe Alliance who are boycotting the dialogue, voted to have the process jointly mediated by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC).

Makandiwa got the nod from two parties while Khama, Madonsela and the United Nations were supported by one party each.

A thematic committee of the political parties established to identify a mediator failed to reach consensus, and has advised Mnangagwa to “urgently convene a high-level meeting of political party leaders to resolve this impasse through consensus,” the document says.

Some of the qualities of the successful candidate, the committee said, must include “impartiality; trustworthiness; ability to influence; knowledgeability; access to high level authorities; ability to shape public opinion; integrity/reputation; and a capacity to mobilize resources.”

The boycotting parties led by the MDC have refused to participate in the dialogue so far, insisting that it should be convened by an impartial third party, with whose work must be underpinned by the African Union and the United Nations.

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