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Tsvangirai: Zimbabwe 'Moving On'

New PM talks about challenges facing him in uniting dueling parties

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2008 11:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's newly appointed PM after months of strife against President Robert Mugabe, is ready for the challenge of uniting his nation's dueling political factions. In an interview with the Guardian, Tsvangirai said that while Mugabe's Zanu-PF party is "moving on" without him, it's unlikely Mugabe will ever be charged for his crimes.

Tsvangirai's difficulties will include leading many of the Zanu-PF members who led a campaign of violence against his party, and dealing with people like the police chief who has vowed not to salute the new prime minister. Undaunted by his task, Tsvangirai notes that, "In the process of change of this nature that is expected, but it does not stop a train moving forward."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Arthur Mutmbara, deputy Prime Minster of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai, new Prime Minster of Zimbabwe and Thabo Mbeki, South African President join hands. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Zimbabweans read a newspaper in Harare Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. A breakthrough deal ends months of anguished negotiations between Robert Mugabe and main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. (AP Photo)

Morgan Tsvangirai speaks at his home a day after the historic signing of the power sharing deal which saw him becoming the new Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Tuesday, Sept, 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Opposition supporters gather outside the venue for the signing of a deal that saw President Robert Mugabe cede some power to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. (AP Photo)

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There's an inherent suspicion, there's inherent mistrust of Robert Mugabe. It's understandable given his history, given his role. It's part of his legacy.
- Morgan Tsvangirai

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Tsvangirai: Zimbabwe 'Moving On'