The man still in the middle

What Mebki's resignation means to Zimbabwe

Thabo Mbeki may have resigned as President of South Africa, but here in Zimbabwe he's still in place as the mediator between Zanu-PF and the MDC factions, and sources say he's likely to stay there for the bitter infighting still to come.

Although his authority has obviously diminished, Mbeki is widely credited for bringing Robert Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai together at least long enough to sign the power-sharing agreement last week. And many believe his work has only just begun.

Implementation of the agreement is as far away as ever, with all sides deadlocked over the distribution of key ministries. Zanu-PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa told me that Mbeki remains "the only person who will be able to ensure the success of the agreement."

He laughed off suggestions that the South African be replaced by Botswana's President Ian Khama, saying Khama is too young and inexperienced, and "to have him would be a humiliation for Africa."

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) also appears to be continuing to back Mebki in the job. Executive Secretary Tomas Salamao pointed out that South Africa remains in the SADC chair, and that, acting on its behalf, Mbeki has done "a commendable job".

Viewed from the wider, international perspective, many MDC people are glad to see the end of Mbeki's presidency in South Africa, believing that his obvious successor, Jacob Zuma, will be more sympathetic to their cause.

Yet there remain doubts about Zuma, with one analyst commenting: "Zuma is an all-things-to-all-men politician. He can't be trusted."

And some Zanu-PF hardliners also welcome Mbeki's resignation. They believe that even if he remains as mediator in Zimbabwe, they will find a breathing space in which to regroup after what many see as the humiliation of Mugabe in the signing of the power-sharing agreement.

So the struggle, confused and contradictory as it is, continues. Only one thing remains sure. While the parties wrangle and squabble, our economy continues to unravel, and our suffering increases.

Comments

[amanda]

it's a sad period for Zimbabweans. Zanu pf is pleased with the development down south
so to whom will Zimbabweans turn to now for advice?
Zuma ca not be trusted for such a delicate job
though he is a man of action, he might start to sing his trade mark "bring me my machine gun" song.
Zuma can just send the South African arm to bomb Zimbabweans, chase the thousands of then in his country

[RMacleod]

For information Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has also been described as an illiterate criminal, but no matter what he is, like his predecessor he will without doubt contribute to the continuing economic and social decline of South Africa. That more than any other external factor will effect Zimbabwe.
Also on the political side and unlike Mbeki he will probably not do any particular favours for Mugabe or Zimbabwe.

[DC]

Initially when I heard the Mbeki had been ousted I rejoiced for Zimbabwe. But then I thought again of how he has imposed his own personal monopoly on the Zimbabwe crisis by at once being Mugabe's shield and the African-appointed foil to make it look as though Africa cares about opposition politics.

Anyway almost at the same time it became clear to me that Mbeki would continue to meddle in Zimbabwe - probably at Mugabe's request to the SA government. It is also in Zuma's interest that they send Mbeki out of the country (where he can do less damage to Zuma).

So stand-by to hear of Mbeki becoming 'elder statesman and SADC special envoy to Zimbabwe'.

[RMacleod]

At this moment in time Mugabe and Zanu PF are winning and the Chinese are clapping their hands!
Zimbabweans should now prepare themselves for a new colonization and enslavement that will be beyond their wildest nightmares.

[macon]

As usual, RM and DC are at the head of the class with their understanding of what's happening "on the ground" in Zim, and their perception of the implications of the events.

What I find most sad is that, with a few notable exceptions, the Africans in power are playing into the hands of those who want the Chinese to be in control... not for their love of the orientals, but for their hatred of the West.

That hatred has blinded them from being able to recognize that, for all the evils of European colonialism, it did bring infrastructure, political stability, development of natural resources, and a viable economy... and that national progress could continue with world-class economic and political partnerships with other nations, including their former masters, if they would only lay aside their prejudicial contempt.

No, colonialism is never fair to the masses in that it elevates only a few of any native people to the upper levels, and it suppresses most to no better than lower middle-class economic and political power, but it does improve the vast majority to a considerably higher standard of living than they had.

Unfortunately, that's where envy takes over, and the masses can be convinced that if they only take away the riches from the masters, it can be theirs... only to find that those riches were acquired and maintained by use of intellect, experience, and financing the masses don't possess. Their greed surpasses that of the masters', violence ensues, opportunity is lost, and the masses then become slaves to their own revolutionary leaders who care only about their own immediate gains.

Again, colonialization isn't fair in that it is NEVER conducted with a benevolent intent... but if the Africans think the thumb of the Europeans was suppressive, just wait til the Chinese are in full control with their fists.

(Personally, I think Mugabe thinks he's being cunning by accepting being wined and dined by the Chinese... grossly mistaken in thinking he can end the evening with a kiss at the door.)

[Michael]

Of course he believes that ..... after all, he ended the previous dealings with the Chinese, Koreans and Russians with that very same kiss in the early 80's (or so he thinks). Then again, he doesn't actually need to end it with a kiss at the door, because his date can wait a few years for him to pass away ..... then they can take the whole estate that he's putting in his will to them bit by bit.

I mean, can you imagine the horror and betrayal that will be felt across the country when they find out what real colonialism and slavery are ..... the servitude of Rhodesia will look like a comparitive tea party. The world needs to wake up and do something to get a Mugabe and ZANLA .... erm, ZANU ..... free Zimbabwe running independently again ..... and one of the primary things that needs to be done is to ensure that the bad joke of an organisation called the UN keep their incompetent hands out of the mix.

[tips on flirting]

Isn't that the case with many countries, though. They end up suffering while people debate and argue over leadership and the methods to heal their country. Just the way people are, I guess.

[LaverneForbes24]

Some specialists tell that home loans help people to live their own way, because they are able to feel free to buy needed things. Furthermore, a lot of banks present sba loan for all people.

[Todd]

I look forward to the day mugabe is out of our thoughts