News 24
1 February 2016
Harare – Zimbabwean opposition parties have reportedly described as “absurd” President Robert Mugabe’s anti-UN and West speech at the just-ended African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mugabe told delegates at the AU’s 26th ordinary summit over the weekend that African countries would not hesitate to pull out of the United Nations if steps to reform the international body were not taken.
Mugabe said it was time for action, as Africa had been talking and begging for years, for the continent’s permanent seat at the UN security council, but had not been heard.
“We have asked and asked for Security Council reform,” Mugabe, 91, said.
Watch as Mugabe speaks below.
There are only five permanent UN Security Council permanent seats held by Russia, China, United State of America, France, and the United Kingdom.
Mugabe’s critics, however, urged African leaders not to heed Mugabe’s call.
According to NewsDay political analyst and opposition parties in the southern African country said Mugabe’s rant on Saturday was ill-advised and would likely attract a few African countries.
The Movement for Democratic Change spokesperson, Obert Gutu, said Mugabe’s call was unrealistic as he pulled Zimbabwe out of the Commonwealth in 2003, a “selfish and angry” decision which did not benefit the country.
Another Mugabe opponent, former education minister David Coltart, wrote on his Facebook page: “Mugabe’s call for the UN to open up is correct but it’s hypocritical in the extreme to call for that when #‎Zimbabwe itself remains a closed society.”
Mugabe is the only leader independent Zimbabwe has ever known, having been in power since 1980. He has been accused of human rights abuses over the years. His government has been blamed for the suffering of many, as the country’s economy continues to deteriorate.