Zimbabwe opposition calls for action against Mugabe

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

HARARE, Mar 18 (Reuters) Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai today called for a wave of ''mass action'' demonstrations against President Robert Mugabe, saying sustained protests were the only way to overcome government brutality.

Addressing a congress of his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) called to elect new leaders and fire-up a floundering drive against the government, Tsvangirai said the opposition had survived with ''gracious exuberance'' cruel treatment at the hands of what he called a tyrannical regime.

But he said the opposition must now step up its campaign to win power.

''The options open to us are very clear: we need a short, sharp programme of action to free ourselves,'' he told the crowd.

In a 40-minute speech, punctuated by slogans and applause from his supporters, Tsvangirai said he was ready to lead peaceful protests against Mugabe -- Zimbabwe's sole ruler since 1980.

The MDC was formed in 1999 and has for years been seen as the greatest threat to Mugabe's hold on power, but analysts say a recent split in its ranks over how to tackle Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party has weakened the opposition's potency.

In a speech to more than 15,000 delegates of his main MDC faction, Tsvangirai said his group was still a resilient force capable of launching a strong political campaign.

MORE REUTERS DKS RN2041

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