As what could be perceived as desperation to remain in power, several opposition figures have been arrested. Two high-profile opposition members have been arrested by the Zimbabwean police. They are Arthur Mutambara and Eric Matinega. Both men were arrested for different reasons. However, it could be because of opposition to the rule of President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF Party.
Mutambara was arrested for publishing an article that blasts Mugabe and his administration. He leads a splinter group of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). While opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai leads the MDC, Mutambara leads the splinter group.
Matinenga works as a legislator and a lawyer to Tsvangirai. He was arrested for inciting public violence. Mugabe and his administration have blamed the MDC for the violence in Zimbabwe.
Recently, Mugabe’s wife, Grace Mugabe blasted Tsvangirai. She said that Tsvangirai will never be allowed to take power. Mugabe and his administration accuse Tsvangirai of being a puppet for Britain. So far, Mugabe has brushed off all international criticism.
However, the UN and many human rights groups blame Mugabe and his Zanu-PF for causing most of the violence.
South African President Thabo Mbeki and United States President George W. Bush have clashed on the matter. Mbeki has been criticized for his stance on Zimbabwe. Mbeki had also sent a letter to Bush telling him to keep out of it.
The MDC took the majority of the parliamentary seats in the March 29 elections. For the presidential elections, Tsvangirai won most of the votes. However, he did not win enough to avoid a run-off election. The run-off election is set for June 27.
Top US diplomat to Africa Jendayi Frazer accused Mugabe of trying to steal the election.
In regards to the arrests, Mugabe’s actions might cause both factions of the MDC to work together against him.
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