PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has dismissed reports that he was barred from the African Union (AU) Golden Jubilee celebrations summit in Ethiopia, insisting that he cancelled the trip because of the sudden illness of his wife, Elizabeth Macheka.
The State media last week reported that the AU had snubbed the premier from
attending the celebrations because it was only meant for the Heads of State and
Government.
However, the premier's office yesterday said Tsvangirai did what every responsible
husband would do, given the condition of his wife.
Tsvangirai's spokesman, Luke Tamborinyoka said the State media has gone
ballistic in its attacks of the premier.
"The Prime minister was going to the African Union but because of the
sudden illness in the family, Amai Tsvangirai vakarwara [Mrs Tsvangirai got
ill], he cancelled his trip," said Tamborinyoka. "The principals on
Monday discussed this issue. The President [Robert Mugabe] was actually very
confident that the three of them should go to the AU summit, which is why the
President and the Deputy Prime Minister are already in Addis attending the AU
summit."
Tamborinyoka, who could not divulge the nature of illness, said the
premier's wife was recovering.
He said the continental body was aware of the visit by the three principals
in the inclusive government because the arrangement is a peculiar one.
"The AU is aware of the unique circumstance in Zimbabwe because they
are the guarantors and curators of our inclusive government. The PM was not
barred by anyone which explains the presence of the other two principals in
Addis."
Under pressure from the Southern African Development Community and AU,
Tsvangirai and Mugabe formed a power-sharing government in 2009 to mend an
inflation-ravaged economy and avoid a political melt-down, after a bloody
presidential run-off election.
The MDC-T has said at least 200 of its supporters were killed by State
security agents and Zanu PF youth militia.
Tamborinyoka said Tsvangirai had scheduled and confirmed meetings in
Ethiopia with other Heads of States. He said the Prime Minister was supposed to
meet President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, President Joyce Banda of Malawi
and President Michael Sata of Zambia.
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