Mnangagwa accuses West of destabilising Zimbabwe

The East African | Following criticism about rising incidences of political violence ahead of next year's elections, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has accused Western diplomats of attempting to destabilize the southern African country.

Following a spike in political violence, tensions are building in the country ahead of important by-elections on March 26, which are considered as a practice run for the 2023 elections.

Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga threatened to destroy the main opposition party "like lice" when campaigning for the ruling Zanu PF party last week, causing fury among UK politicians.

The European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia's embassies in Zimbabwe have all made comments condemning violence against Nelson Chamisa's newly established Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

On Friday, President Mnangagwa assured diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe that they would be permitted to monitor the elections, but that no meddling would be tolerated by his administration.

"It is most sad that, as Zimbabwe prepares for the harmonized general elections in 2023, some forces are already attempting to sway national discourse and destabilize the peace and stability we are enjoying as a country," he said in his message.