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Mugabe's statement on Gono unacceptable
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
May 26, 2009

The statement by one of the principals that Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono is not going anywhere confirms that there is a deadlock over the central bank chief and the Attorney General, Johannes Tomana.

The MDC believes that the issue of Gono and Tomana is a political hygiene issue, which stems from their unprocedural and unilateral appointments that were in violation of the letter and spirit of both the Global Political Agreement of 15 September 2008 and the Memorandum of Understanding of 21 July 2008.

The RBZ governor, as confirmed by Mugabe himself, was at the epicenter of the erosion and corrosion of the integrity of the central bank. Senior appointments are embodiments of confidence or lack of it.

The governor has created skepticism among Zimbabweans and international partners as to whether Zimbabwe can mount a successful reconstruction programme.

It is our understanding of the SADC communiqué was that the issue of Gono and Tomana was supposed to be handled by the inclusive government. The position of one principal on the issue of Gono or Tomana cannot constitute the position of the inclusive government. There are three political parties in the inclusive government and any decisions and pronouncements must reflect this new arrangement.

In the same vein, in the absence of a forensic audit of the RBZ, Mugabe cannot be allowed to say that the RBZ never misappropriated a single dime as he told mourners in Buhera at the weekend.

The issue is not about personalities but about principles and values; it is about creating strong national institutions that are transparent and accountable. The central bank and the Attorney-General's office are standing between Zimbabwe and progress. They are standing between the people of Zimbabwe and their happiness. They are the difference between poverty and development. They are a national impediment to real take-off in the reconstruction efforts.

It is the MDC's conviction that this deadlock over the AG and Central Bank governor is ripe and ready a matter for SADC and the AU to play the role of the umpire. We call upon SADC and the AU, as the guarantors of the GPA, to adjudicate over this issue as a matter of urgency because it shakes the foundation and threatens the health, stability and life of the inclusive government.

The MDC further calls upon the disputed occupants of the two offices to put the country first; to put national interest ahead of personal interest. The disputed occupants must do the honourable, acceptable and expected thing and save the country. The real issue is about food, jobs, health, education, the economy, a poor road network and dilapidated infrastructure. The said individuals must not be allowed to overwhelm the government with peripheral side-shows.

As a party of excellence, we believe in accountability, transparency and integrity. Together with the people, we will continue to march towards a new Zimbabwe.

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