MDC Claims Plot to Kill Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe's opposition party has accused the military of deploying 18 snipers in a plot to kill Morgan Tsvangirai, who beat President Robert Mugabe in a first round of elections in March.

The Movement for Democratic Change secretary general, Tendai Biti, said the threat to Tsvangirai's life is the principal reason he has not returned to Zimbabwe to campaign for a second round of presidential elections on June 27.

But Tsvangirai's long absence is the source of increasing disquiet among many of his supporters amid a wave of state-orchestrated violence against MDC activists and voters aimed at ensuring victory for Mugabe in the runoff. The MDC says at least 40 of its supporters have been murdered and thousands beaten.

Biti said the alleged plot was hatched by Mugabe's security cabinet, the Joint Operational Command. "We know there are 18 snipers, and the military intelligence directorate is in charge of this," he said. "Mugabe's military intelligence has compiled a list of 36 to 40 people to be assassinated. Top of the list are our leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, myself and our spokesman, Nelson Chamisa."

Biti said Tsvangirai will return to Zimbabwe once security measures are in place. But if the plot is real it will be difficult to protect him.

Zimbabwe's deputy information minister, Bright Matonga, said the MDC was fantasizing. "We are not aware of any plot against anyone, but we're sure he's playing to the international media gallery."