Mugabe and opposition to sign historic power sharing deal

• What chance of quick Zimbabwe turnaround?

• Timeline of Zimbabwe crisis since March 29

• What they said about Zimbabwe deal

• What they said about Zimbabwe deal

• Mbeki announces deal, calls for international support

• Mbeki's 'twin cabinet' plan has Mugabe on the backfoot

• DOCUMENTS: The power-sharing document Tsvangirai refuses to sign

• Text: Memorandum of Understanding between Zanu PF and MDC

By Staff Reporters
Posted to the web: 15/09/2008 00:45:05
ON the eve of Monday’s momentous signing of a power sharing agreement between Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party and two rival opposition MDC factions, South African President Thabo Mbeki summoned all “progressive humankind” to rally behind his effort to end a decade-long political and economic crisis in his country’s northern neighbour.

The power sharing deal which has been in the works since July 21, and will see President Robert Mugabe giving up substantial authority to his main rival Morgan Tsvangirai, “demonstrated Africa’s capacity to solve it’s own problems”, Mbeki said.

“The South African government has noted that while this is course for celebration, we remain and all too aware this historic milestone constitutes ... Africa has once more demonstrated its capacity to solve its own problems,” said the current chairman of the regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) trade bloc.

“Accordingly, the people of Zimbabwe can rest assured of the support of the people of South Africa, SADC, Africa and the progressive humankind the world over …”

African Union chairman and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Swazi King Mswati III, chairman of SADC’s organ on politics, defence and security were among several regional leaders invited to witness the signing ceremony at a Harare hotel.

The Botswana government confirmed President Ian Khama, who led condemnation of Mugabe’s controversial re-election for a sixth term on June 27, will attend the ceremony.

"We are going there to witness with others and to show the leaders of Zimbabwe we appreciate they are moving in a positive direction,” said Botswana’s Foreign Minister Phandu Skelemani.

"Going to Zimbabwe on Monday would not be inconsistent with our position," he added, referring to Botswana's refusal to recognise Mugabe as president until a deal was reached.

Mugabe, Tsvangirai and MDC faction leader Arthur Mutambara last week agreed a pact to end a deep political crisis compounded by the veteran leader's disputed and unopposed re-election.

Details of the agreement brokered by Mbeki will be known after the signing ceremony today. Leaked details, however, suggest Mugabe will retain a grip on the military, while the opposition will control the police.

Zimbabweans hope the agreement will be a first step in helping to rescue the once prosperous nation from economic collapse. Inflation has rocketed to over 11 million percent and millions have fled to neighbouring southern African countries.

Under the deal, Tsvangirai will become Prime Minister and chair a council of ministers that supervises the cabinet.

Mugabe's Zanu PF will have 15 cabinet seats, Tsvangirai's MDC 13 and Mutambara’s MDC faction three seats.

Mutambara will be co-deputy Prime Minister alongside Thokozani Khupe (MDC-T).

Tsvangirai, Mutambara and Mugabe met on Saturday and agreed to share out 31 cabinet posts. The powerful state security ministry was abolished while the justice portfolio was split into two and a new prisons department was formed.

Mugabe, 84, has ruled Zimbabwe with an iron hand since independence from Britain in 1980 and will remain president.

Analysts say the power-sharing deal is fragile and will require former enemies to put aside their differences and work closely to overcome scepticism, especially from Western powers whose financial support will be vital for recovery.

The supreme decision making body of Tsvangirai's MDC group, its national council, met in Harare on Sunday and endorsed the power-sharing agreement, a day after Mugabe's inner politburo approved the deal.

"The national council met today and endorsed the agreement but it mandated the negotiators to negotiate for five key ministries," an opposition council member said.

Zanu PF’s secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa said he was confident the deal would be signed Monday following a meeting of his party’s politburo.

"Our party has endorsed the deal, and I can also confirm that we have agreed with the MDC on the number of ministries to be created in the coalition government," he said, "But we are still negotiating with them right now on how to share the actual ministries."

The MDC wants to take control of ministries of home affairs in charge of the police, local government to oversee councils, one of the justice ministries, information and the finance ministry giving it responsibility for rescuing the economy.

In return, the MDC is ready to agree to leave Mugabe's ruling Zanu PF in charge of other key ministries, including defence.

Zanu PF and MDC negotiators will meet early on Monday on how to allocate the 31 ministries. Names of individuals to head the ministries are likely to be announced later in the week, a government official said.

There would also be a national security council, replacing a joint operations command comprising security service chiefs who the opposition say were instrumental in organising a violent campaign that returned Mugabe to power.

The plan is for Mugabe and Tsvangirai to sign the agreement at 10AM local time in the presence of Mbeki and representatives of as many as 20 African nations.

However, the ceremony could be delayed while the allocation of ministries is completed.

Mbeki was appointed the regional fire-fighter after Tsvangirai outpolled Mugabe in the first round of a presidential election in March, but pulled out of the June run-off citing a systematic campaign of violence against his supporters.
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