Staff Reporter

Doctor of world politics, Dr Stephen Chan has urged Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa to call for the total and unconditional removal of sanctions as well as accord respect to President Emmerson Mnangagwa if he is to maintain credibility with the people and foreign handlers.

A leaked document containing the minutes of a meeting held between Dr Chan and Chamisa revealed the former’s reservations on the way the latter was conducting his political affairs.

According to a well-placed source within the CCC shadow cabinet, Dr Chan’s displeasure stemmed from what he witnessed when he visited some high density suburbs in Harare.

“Dr Chan had an opportunity to tour some of Harare’s high density areas namely Budiriro, Mufakose, Epworth and Chitungwiza. What he saw did not sit well with him and he took it up with Chamisa during their closed door meeting, whose minutes leaked and are making the rounds on social media.

“Dr Chan immediately advised Chamisa to call for the unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe because he saw that they were causing a lot of suffering to ordinary people across the political divide,” said the source.

The source added that in the same meeting, Dr Chan discouraged CCC from confrontational politics they had towards ZANU PF and President Mnangagwa, while also encouraging them to recognise and appreciate the developments the ruling Government has made in Zimbabwe.

“Dr. Chan also discouraged the confrontational stance and tense mindset that CCC has towards ZANU PF and President Mnangagwa. He made reference to other opposition political parties the world over which continue to have respect for their ruling parties despite differences in political ideology.  Dr Chan advised CCC to acknowledge and applaud progress made by the ruling party,” said the source.

Furthermore, Dr Chan had another meeting with British Ambassador Melanie Robinson where the Ambassador expressed optimism on Zimbabwe’s capabilities.  In the same meeting, Ambassador Robinson expressed concern over CCC’s decision to operate a party without structures saying this made the party vulnerable to abuse by influential party members. Dr Chan notified Ambassador Robinson of his plan to apprise the incoming British Prime Minister of his findings in Zimbabwe

The leaked document has proved beyond a reasonable doubt to Zimbabweans that CCC’s Information Department selectively published information which supported their cause. It has also brought to light that Dr Chan did in fact appreciate the developments made by ZANU PF government, whilst also acknowledging the effects of the illegal sanctions on ordinary Zimbabweans.