Ordinary Zimbabweans have been disappointed by the announcement that United States of America President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”.
Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was tipped to land the prestigious accolade. Earlier, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson James Maridadi had expressed hope that his boss would land the award. “It is hardly surprising. If you look at the road Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has walked since the formation of the MDC, if you look at the road he has travelled ever since the formation of the inclusive government. It is hardly surprising that he would be in the running for a Nobel Peace prize”
Amos Changa, a Zimbabean observer, said “I was watching one of the international television channels when Obama was announced winner. Its shocking, which struggles has Obama gone through to bring a better future for to the world. He has hardly spent 9 months on the job and now gets a prestigious award”
Other commentators have also suggested that if Tsvangirai had won the prize it could have helped strengthen his grip in the shaky unity government with Mugabe and that his “snub” by the Noble Peace Price committee has been gladly received by Zanu PF.
“What has Tsvangirai done to deserve the award? It goes to show that the international community has abandoned him, he has been snubbed,” said a Zanu Pf official.
Other awards for Tsvangirai
Thursday, Tsvangirai received a prestigious human rights award and a lifetime achievement award in Spain. The International Bar Association awarded him with their human rights award in recognition of his efforts to advance the cause of human rights in his country.
Tsvangirai was also given the 2009 International Lifetime Achievement Award from the Spanish Foundation Cristóbal Gabarrón, for his fight for peace and democracy.
Tsvangirai is currently in Madrid where he is expected to hold meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
