We will not work with Chamisa: Tsenengamu

New opposition outfit, Front for Economic Emancipation, FFE leader Godfrey Tsenengamu said his fledgling party had no plans to work with the main opposition party CCC led by Nelson Chamisa.

Speaking at a press conference at Moto Republik in Harare on Tuesday, the former ZANU PF youth leader said his FEE “would not achieve its goals if it worked with Chamisa”. Tsenengamu said the FEE would push for the formation of a government of national unity, GNU after next year’s general elections.

His call for a GNU has been interpreted as the sentiments of a man more interested in getting a position in government than in real democratic transformation.

Tsenengamu went on to claim that they were prepared to confront State security agents — particularly members of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) in the run-up to next year’s polls.

“We are not afraid of anyone; be it the CIO because we are not going to break any law to mobilize people. If anyone thinks that they will stop us, they will be disappointed as they won't be able to stop us. We will respond equally to anyone who wants to stop us because we believe that we are all equal. What is enjoyed by Zanu PF should be enjoyed by everyone.”

He called on the ruling party to desist from disrupting opposition rallies ahead of elections.

“Zanu PF has no monopoly over how political parties must conduct their campaigns. Zanu PF is not terrorized at opposition strongholds; so no one must terrorize us (the opposition) as we get into their perceived strongholds. We have been in Zanu PF, and we know how they do their things.  We know what is going to come our way, but as a party we are ready.”

The militant leader went on to describe his FEE party as the 3rd force although it is barely known and is yet to make a significant mark on the political scene. Little is known about the size of its membership or its structures and the party is always conspicuously absent from the ballot paper whenever by-elections are being held.

In his parting remarks, Tsenengamu denounced hate speech:

“The third force is also going to pronounce itself to such issues because we believe in stability and harmony together as a people. I may not like your ideology or agree with the way you do things, but I don’t have to use hate speech for that. We are going to be preaching peace and speaking strongly against hate speech.”