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Mugabe declares victory over UK
18/04/2007 17:01 - (SA)
Harare - President Robert Mugabe appeared on Wednesday as entrenched as ever in a nation blighted by political violence and economic chaos, presiding over independence celebrations and declaring he had overcome efforts by Britain to topple him.
He acknowledged, however, worsening economic hardships. He said saboteurs were "stirring disquiet" across the nation. He also said security forces were ready to defend national and economic interests.
The Zimbabwean opposition and critics abroad accuse Mugabe of economic mismanagement and political oppression.
On Wednesday, Mugabe blamed unbridled greed in some quarters for massive price increases that have put many basic commodities out of the reach of ordinary Zimbabweans.
"We can't drift along with this vice," he said.
Allegations that the opposition orchestrated a campaign of terror, and backing by regional leaders who have opted for quiet diplomacy over confrontation, appear to have given Mugabe room to stave off trouble within his ruling party and demands for him to step down.
'Shameless local puppets'
Looking robust as he addressed celebrations at the stadium where the British flag was lowered on April 18 1980, Mugabe, 83, described the opposition Movement for Democratic Change as "the shameless local puppets" in a conspiracy by Britain, the former colonial ruler, to remove him. Mugabe has led Zimbabwe since independence.
"We have observed of late how this conspiracy has attempted to transform into a militant criminal strain ... to create a state of anarchy and an orgy of violence. We will never hesitate to deal firmly with these elements," he said.
Demonstrations and a national strike in the past month have been thwarted largely by the heavy deployment of police and troops and violent police action that crushed a prayer meeting on March 11 which the government said was a political protest banned under sweeping security laws.
Pro-democracy activists
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and other pro-democracy activists were assaulted by police while under arrest.
"Once they (opposition groups) start acting illegally, naturally the police intervene," said Mugabe on Wednesday.
The opposition has denied government charges it mounted a campaign of terror and gasoline bombings across the country, alleging eight bombings since early March were stage-managed by state security agents, possibly using disgruntled opposition youths.
Crowds filled the 40 000 seat stadium to also watch military displays, a show of martial arts by police, a police dog display and free soccer match between women's teams followed by the two teams at the top of the country's premier league.
- AP
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Zimbabwe Special Report
