Power-sharing agreed at last

And we were the first to tell you

The dramatic announcement came yesterday (Thursday) evening, just one day after my exclusive story on Wednesday. After seemingly never-ending talks, elections and appalling violence, Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai have agreed to share the government of Zimbabwe.

On Wednesday I reported that despite what seemed to be insurmountable difficulties, the leaders of Zanu-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were on the brink of signing up to a historic deal. Last night talks broker President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa confirmed my forecast to the world's media.

He told journalists that complete agreement between the two major parties had been reached. Tsvangirai stated simply: "We've got a deal." Mugabe had no comment.

But details of the apparent unity between the once-bitter rivals will not be released until Monday, when Mugabe, Tsvangirai and the leader of the small MDC faction, Arthur Mutambara, will attend a formal signing ceremony. So exactly who will run what in the country remains unclear.

Most observers agree that, as forecast on this site on previous occasions, Mugabe will retain the title of President, while Tsvangirai will become Prime Minister, a post which Mugabe abolished some years ago as he gradually took absolute power over the country.

The stumbling block in the talks has been identified as disagreement over which of the leaders will have control of the security forces, whose commanders are held by many as responsible for the violence and murder of the past months and years.

There is speculation that Tsvangirai will chair a new council of ministers, responsible for the day-to-day running of the country, while Mugabe will head the cabinet and still retain executive powers.

It is hoped that this agreement will herald the start of a national recovery for Zimbabwe, in particular for our devastated economy, with international donors stepping in to offer aid and new business.

But some fear that any system of power-sharing between the two opposed parties is doomed, with the parallel governments each blocking the other's moves - something that could only lead to further strife and suffering.

Comments

[joyce]

No future for ordinary Zimbabweans. It is a very long way to democracy. Mugabe still incharge, preparing his move to retire and and pass the stick to Mnangagwa, That will be a new dawn for Zanu-pf.

How is the Mdc explain this to the people? Great betrayal? There will be a new movement in Zim which will try and represent the will of the people.

[imsofine xx]

still no difference. as long as mugabe's incharge nothing will change. people will still suffer. he must leave

[Callistus Patrick Madziwa]

Under Mugabe's ZANU-PF, Zimbabwe is now a failed state and what do they want to contribute in the GNU? They lost the elections and should concede to MDC to form a government.As long as ZANU remains in what ever government,zimbabwean problems will stay and Zimbabweans will continue to suffer.

[RMacleod]

Joyce you are probably correct in what you have said. Mnangagwa who keeps his immediate family safe and away in Zambia will be the next tyrant who will rule Zimbabwe and probably with backup from the Chinese.