via Mujuru rejected Renewal, Mangoma – New Zimbabwe 04/06/2015
FORMER Vice President Joice Mujuru reportedly rejected a proposal for a political pact with the MDC Renewal Team because of its lack of numbers on the ground.
According to Elton Mangoma, the Renewal Team’s now suspended treasurer general, the negotiations were initiated by Tendai Biti, the secretary general of the Renewal Team.
Mangoma claimed Wednesday that his colleague’s approach to the Mujuru camp contributed to the split of the party.
Sources within the MDC Renewal Team told NewZimbabwe.com that their proposal to partner with Mujuru hit a brick wall.
“We met with senior Mujuru allies and put our proposal on the table but they said they could not work with us because of our dwindling support base.
“Instead, they said they wanted political parties which have a support base and would rather work with the MDC-T.”
MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai is under pressure from key allies and financiers in the West to work with Joice Mujuru.
Jacob Mafume, the MDC Renewal spokesperson, said he was not aware of any approach to Mujuru.
“I have no knowledge of that rejection, or the offer in the first place,” said Mafume.
“What I know is that we are committed to working with democrats to topple Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF.
However, Mujuru ally, Rugare Gumbo, confirmed the meeting took place but denied turning down Biti’s proposal.
“We did not turn down their proposal. We do not purge people; neither did we chase away people, in fact we embrace everyone who wants democracy.
“What we want is to remove this paralysis regime.”
Gumbo added: “We met with the MDC Renewal Team and explored possible ways of working together.
“We have also met with Morgan Tsvangirai on the same issue. As I said, we are free to work with all political parties; what we want is to remove this regime.”
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