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Tsvangirai Returns to Zimbabwe

Mugabe party official warns of coup if opposition wins run-off

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted May 24, 2008 6:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai returned to Zimbabwe today to campaign for a run-off presidential vote June 27, the BBC reports. Rumors of an army assassination had delayed his return by a week. Meanwhile, a top official from the ruling Zanu-PF party warned of a coup if President Robert Mugabe doesn’t win the run-off, the Los Angeles Times reports. “If we lose the runoff, then the army will take over,” the official said.

Movement for Democratic Change leader Tsvangirai has been abroad seeking international support for his candidacy since the first round of elections, while at home, MDC and human rights groups say hundreds of his supporters have been beaten up, with over 40 killed and at least six kidnapped. Zanu-PF denies backing violence.

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement For Democratic Change Party, MDC, center upon his arrival at Harare International airport, Saturday, May, 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Refugees from rural Zimbabwe seek shelter at the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) headquarters in Harare, Thursday, May 1, 2008. Zanu-PF members allegedly burned their homes. (AP Photo)

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai leaves his hotel for Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport to return to Zimbabwe Saturday. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell)

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, left, after giving new police badges to Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri, right, at a police graduation ceremony in Harare, Wednesday, May 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

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Tsvangirai Returns to Zimbabwe

Mugabe party official warns of coup if opposition wins run-off

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Tsvangirai Returns to Zimbabwe

Mugabe party official warns of coup if opposition wins run-off

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • Movement for Democratic Change • Zimbabwe elections • Zanu-PF • coup d'etat

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Despite Arrests, Zimbabwe Opposition Elects Speaker

Mugabe's candidate defeated as MDC's Moyo wins close parliamentary vote

Africa Braces for Zimbabwe Refugees

With Mugabe looking ready to hold on to power at all costs, exodus is expected

Mugabe Detains His Challenger

Tsvangirai's party blasts 'illegal detention' during campaign

Assassination Plot Delays Tsvangirai Homecoming

Zimbabwean opposition leader was to begin campaign this weekend

Opposition Holds Gains in Zimbabwe Recount

Overturned results now look unlikely

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?