Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa joins opposition parties in tour of cyclone-ravaged areas

HARARE, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will this week tour Cyclone Idai-ravaged areas in the country together with representatives of 17 other political parties involved in a national dialogue intended to resolve the country's political and economic problems.

Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana confirmed in a tweet Sunday that Mnangagwa, who has been to Manicaland Province before, will once again visit the province and other affected areas in the three other provinces of Mashonaland East, Masvingo and the Midlands.

"It is great when leadership goes among the people and assess things for themselves," he said.

The national dialogue is composed of presidential candidates in the 2018 elections and some officials from their parties.

Mnangagwa represents the ruling ZANU-PF party, but main opposition party the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has snubbed the national dialogue initiative alleging that Mnangagwa is not being sincere.

Chimanimani and Chipinge districts in Manicaland are the most affected areas. The government has said 179 people have so far been confirmed dead, although United Nations figures put the toll higher.