Chronicle Editor
Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Roman Catholic Church cleric Father Fidelis Mukonori has said his mediation role between former President Cde Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, led by General Constantino Chiwenga, although onerous, was not an insurmountable task as he had handled high level negotiations before.
Fr Mukonori said the mediations were tough, but the guiding principles for the negotiations were telling each other the truth. He said this yesterday in an interview on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who assumed office of Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, following the resignation of Cde Mugabe on Tuesday.
“It was something where we had to stand with the truth. What was important is to be frank with each other, telling each other the truth without emotions, but seeking the truth because that is what God wants. It is the work of God. There is a time when one has to rest while another person continues,” said Father Mukonori.
Father Mukonori said his mediation role dated back to the liberation struggle and latter between Zanu-PF and MDC, where he chaired some meetings.
“It is not my first time, throughout the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe I was part and parcel of the discussions,” he said. “I did not have to fire a gun, but I fired my own brains. Before independence, I played my part in a humble way.
“Since independence, other things have happened, during the Zanu-PF/MDC, I led the first nine or 11 months of the discussion between Zanu-PF and MDC. I chaired some meetings.”
Turning to the new dispensation, Father Mukonori said he was optimistic that President Mnangagwa would deliver.
“We need to leave behind good legacy to the future generations,” he said. “Everything we do should be for future generation and prosperity for hundred years to come.”
Chiefs’ Council president Fortune Charumbira hailed the peaceful environment that existed last week when the ZDF stepped in to pacify a deteriorating situation.
“As traditional leaders, we want to thank Zimbabweans,” he said. “Your wishes was that our leader should rest,”he said.
Online Reporter