Zimbabwe: Power-Sharing Deal Between Mugabe and Tsvangirai 'in the offing'

[Steve Dii]

Historic handshake offers hope of power-sharing in Zimbabwe

By Basildon Peta

President Robert Mugabe, (L) shakes Morgan Tsvangirai's hand. Photo / AP

​

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and his opposition rival Morgan Tsvangirai have given themselves a fortnight to reach a deal to resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis.

The pair briefly put aside bitter personal enmities yesterday to sign a memorandum of understanding that launched formal talks with a two-week deadline to achieve some form of power-sharing agreement.

While the deal marks a milestone in the history of the impoverished African nation it remains unclear what can be done to bridge the gulf between the two sides in such a short time frame.

The language of the document was sufficiently opaque to give little indication of how a settlement might be reached.

It said Mr Tsvangirai and Mr Mugabe "have an obligation" to establish a framework of "working together in an inclusive government".

The document was signed at a Harare hotel in the presence of South Africa's President, Thabo Mbeki, who has acted as Mr Mugabe's political shield, deflecting a chorus of international criticism of the 84-year-old leader.

The agreement, which comes nearly three months after Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election, calls for an immediate halt to the violence in which more than 120 opposition supporters have been killed and thousands more injured.

Any progress in the talks, which Mr Mbeki will mediate, will require unprecedented compromises from both sides. And judging by their respective positions going into the dialogue expected to start tomorrow, the gap between Mr Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF Party and Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) appears unbridgeable.

The opposition leader, who beat his rival by a clear margin in the March poll, will settle for nothing below an executive prime minister's post with powers to appoint the cabinet and overhaul Mr Mugabe's "insane" economic and political policies, an MDC source told The Independent.

MDC officials said Mr Tsvangirai, a former union leader, would want to take executive power in a "government of national healing" instead of the national unity administration preferred by Mr Mugabe.

The transitional authority would allow a period of recovery during which new economic policies could be introduced to ease the crisis gripping the country, introduce a new constitution and overhaul electoral institutions infected by cronyism.

Mr Mugabe, on the other hand, wants to retain the post of executive President and be recognised as head of state until the expiry of his five-year term after his victory in the 27 June run-off election, which was boycotted by his rival and dismissed by African observers as a sham.

Source link: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=171&objectid=10522799

SteveD.

 

[Mkandara]

I knew it's gonna happen!....
Kwa waaafrika - Shetani wawili wamekamata nchi..
Kwa wazungu - Wamepewa hiyo demokrasia..
Je, wataondoa vikwazo?..

 

[WildCard]

Mugabe hana jinsi. Bunge liko Upinzani. Amebaki na Jeshi tu.

 

[Nyambala]

Wakuu hebu tupitie hii, then tujadili.

MOU - FULL TEXT


PREAMBLE
We the Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding;


Concerned about the recent challenges that we have faced as a country and the multiple threats to the well-being of our people;


Dedicating ourselves to putting an end to the polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance that have characterised our country's politics;


Determined to build a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hate, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality;


Recognising the centrality and importance of African institutions in dealing with African problems, and agreeing to seek solutions to our differences, challenges and problems through dialogue under the auspices of the SADC mediation, supported and endorsed by the African Union;


Acknowledging that we have an obligation of establishing a framework of working together in an inclusive government;


Desirous therefore of entering into a dialogue with a view to returning Zimbabwe to prosperity;
Recognising that such a dialogue requires agreement on procedures and processes that will guide the dialogue.


NOW THEREFORE AGREE AS FOLLOWS:


1. Definitions
The 'Memorandum of Understanding' ("MOU") shall mean this written agreement signed by the Principals.


'The Parties' shall mean ZANU-PF, the two MDC formations led by Morgan Tsvangirai and by Arthur Mutambara respectively.


'The Principals' shall mean the President and First Secretary of ZANU-PF, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the President of the one MDC formation, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and the President of the other MDC formation, Arthur Guseni Oliver Mutambara.


2. Declaration of Commitment


The Parties hereby declare and agree to commit themselves to a dialogue with each other with a view to creating a genuine, viable, permanent and sustainable solution to the Zimbabwean situation and, in particular, to implement this Memorandum of Understanding.


3. Representation


The Parties will be represented by two representatives each in the dialogue.


4. Agenda


The Parties have agreed to the following Agenda:


4.1. Objectives and Priorities of a new Government


(a) ECONOMIC
(i) Restoration of economic stability and growth
(ii) Sanctions
(iii) Land question
(b) POLITICAL
(i) New Constitution
(ii) Promotion of equality, national healing and cohesion, and unity
(iii)External interference
(iv)Free political activity
(v) Rule of law
(vi) State organs and institutions
(vii) Legislative agenda priorities
(c) SECURITY
(i) Security of persons and prevention of violence
(d) COMMUNICATION

(i) Media
(ii) External radio stations


4.2 Framework for a new Government
4.3 Implementation mechanisms
4.4 Global political agreement.


5. Facilitation


The Dialogue shall be facilitated in accordance with the SADC and AU resolutions.


6. Time frames


The Dialogue commenced on 10 July 2008 and will continue until the Parties have finalised all necessary matters, save for short breaks that may be agreed upon for purposes of consultation. It is envisaged that the Dialogue will be completed within a period of two weeks from the date of signing of this MOU.

7. Venue


The Dialogue shall be conducted at such venues as shall be determined by the Facilitator in consultation with the representatives of the Parties.


8. Communication with the media


None of the Parties shall, during the Dialogue period, directly or indirectly communicate the substance of the discussion with the media. The parties shall refrain from negotiating through the media, whether through their representatives to the Dialogue or any of their Party officials.


9. Decisions by the Parties


The Parties shall not, during the subsistence of the Dialogue, take any decisions or measures that have a bearing on the agenda of the Dialogue, save by consensus. Such decisions or measures include, but are not limited to the convening of Parliament or the formation of a new government.


10. Interim measures
10.1 Security of persons


(a) Each Party will issue a statement condemning the promotion and use of violence and call for peace in the country and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that the structures and institutions it controls are not engaged in the perpetration of violence.


(b) The Parties are committed to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and justly to all persons irrespective of political affiliation.


(c) The Parties will take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of political violence, including by non-state actors, and to ensure the security of persons and property.


(d) The Parties agree that, in the interim, they will work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home and that humanitarian and social welfare organisations are enabled to render such assistance as might be required.


10.2 Hate speech


The Parties shall refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or undermine each other.


11. The role of SADC and the AU


The implementation of the Global Political Agreement that the Parties will conclude shall be underwritten and guaranteed by the Facilitator, SADC and the AU.


12. Execution of the agreement


This agreement shall be signed by the Principals in the presence of each other and shall be witnessed by the Facilitator.


Signed at Harare this 21st day of July 2008.

Robert G. Mugabe
President, ZANU-PF

Morgan R. Tsvangirai
President, MDC

Arthur G. O. Mutambara
President, MDC

Thabo Mbeki
SADC Facilitator

 

[Kevo]

Hili suala la powesharing linanionyima raha.Hivi kama ndio mambo haya kila nchi itafanya hivi ambapo chama kishindi kina maintain nafasi ya rais na chama kikuu kipinzani kinapata uwaziri mkuu.hata Tanzania itakuja kuwa hivi 2010 kama CCM wataambulia kitu kwa wizi.

 

[Son of Alaska]

Another,sad chapter in the history of africa,the ballot box has lost all meanings.the malaise started in kenya and now the cancer has spread to zimbwabwe.the democracy we sons of the soil have strived for,is on reverse gear.it makes me wonder,maybe democracy was not meant for us africans,deep inside my heart i ask myself,which country is next on this route.OF what use are elections,if the end results,do not reflect the will of the people ------- NKOSI SEKELELI AFRICA

 

[Nyani Ngabu]

Miafrika Ndivyo Ilivyo!! Chama tawala kinaiba kura.....baadae kunakuwa na mazungumzo ya kushea utawala, wapinzani wanakubali, mwisho wa hadithi. Imetokea Kenya, Zimbabwe, almost happened in Tanzania, na itaendelea kutokea tena na tena!!! Ndivyo Ilivyo....

 

[JokaKuu]

..JK atatokea katika dakika za majeruhi na kuwaelimisha Mugabe na Tsivangarai kuhusu nafasi ya Waziri Mkuu the power-sharing deal will be signed.

 

[MkamaP]

Mugabe amejifunza kutoka Nairobi kwamba chukua nchi kwa mabavu harafu fanya power sharing. Na mwafrika alivyo na uchu nani akatae.Huu mtindo huu utasambaa afrika nzima mbaya sana

 

[Nyani Ngabu]

Africans are so stupid it makes me want to puke!!!!

 

[Masatu]

Muafaka, muafaka, muafaka kazi kweli kweli...

 

[Dua]

This man is called Robert Mugabe, and he is the leader of a political party called ZANU-PF. He claims he is the head of the state "because i won the June 27 election" which he ran against....yep, you bet, against himself.


Bitter political rivals have dinner ​

http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com

July 22, 2008

By Our Correspondent

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe had dinner with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday night after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), The Zimbabwe Times has learnt. The two political rivals sat down across the table from each other for a tête-à-tête as they shared a scrumptuous meal at the Harare Rainbow Towers
while SADC-appointed broker, President Thabo Mbeki shared a meal with the leader of the breakaway MDC faction, Prof Arthur Mutambara in another room.

It was the first time in the decade since Tsvangirai's entry into mainstream politics that he and Mugabe have engaged in a private or serious discussion, let alone shared a meal. Mbeki only flew out of Harare around 10 pm after the dinner. The round-table between the two political gladiators after the signing of the MoU, marked an historic occasion for Zimbabwe. The new dawn also beckoned as President Mugabe and Tsvangirai's negotiating teams flew out on Tuesday night to Pretoria for fully-fledged talks, which are expected to ease Zimbabwe's deepening political crisis. The talks open
on Wednesday under the facilitation of Mbeki and his advisors, Mujanku Gumbi, Frank Chikane and Sydney Mufamadi.

Mugabe and Tsvangirai's private engagement hours after the signing of the MoU was closed to the press and attempts by Mugabe's spokesman George Charamba to access the room and take pictures were immediately rebuffed by Tsvangirai, sources said. Clause Eight of the agreement signed by the leaders Monday relates to communication with the media. "None of the parties shall during the Dialogue period, directly or indirectly communicate the substance of the discussion with the media," the clause states, "The parties shall refrain from negotiating through the media, whether through their representatives to the Dialogue or any of their Party officials." The Zimbabwe Times heard that the two leaders had similar messages: the burning urge to unite the country; the strong will to make the talks work; and the irrepressible will to ensure Zimbabwe does not return to the post-March 29 environment of political violence as political passions ran high. Both emphasized the need for a home-grown solution and a new beginning, according to our source.

MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa staunchly declined to comment on the dinner meeting while Mugabe's spokesman, George Charamba was not immediately available for comment. But in a statement issued in Harare Tuesday, Tsvangirai said the engagement with Mugabe Monday was a responsibility that he took with utmost seriousness. "Yesterday, we committed ourselves to a process that presents the framework in which we can strive to find a solution to the Zimbabwe crisis," Tsvangirai said. "This is just the first step on a journey whose duration and success are dependent on the sincerity and good faith of all parties involved. "In the spirit of a shared vision to heal our nation, I call upon my fellow signatories to join me in putting aside our differences and acknowledging that we have a responsibility to the people of Zimbabwe to show true leadership and to find agreement that will bring an end to the violence, polarisation, poverty and fear in which we have all been living for too long." He added that Zimbabweans looked to political leaders to find common ground to chart a democratic path forward. The breakthrough in talks ends a protracted deadlock between Mugabe and Tsvangirai since the veteran ruler claimed power from a one-man presidential run off vote boycotted by Tsvangirai because of violence and restrictions on his campaigns.

The talks are set to centre on the establishment of a government of national unity, but there are sharp differences on the duration of the authority and who should lead it. Regional bloc SADC and the African Union have called for a power-sharing deal. The MoU grants the two parties a two-week period within which to reach a deal. Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Dr Simba Makoni who came out a distant third in the presidential election held on March 29, reacted with bitterness to his sidelining from the signing ceremony attended by the two MDC and ZANU PF leaders on Monday.

"I feel it is sad that we are not involved at this stage," said Makoni during an interview with South Africa's talk radio station SAFM on Tuesday. "But this is only the beginning. There is more to come and we believe that we will make our contribution in that more to come. I cannot explain my absence from that signing ceremony." Makoni who won eight percent of the presidential vote through his Mavambo/Kusile movement is regarded as a potential problem in some circles and as a potential peace-maker between Zimbabwe's warring political parties in others. Makoni did not attend Monday's signing ceremony during which an agreement was signed between the two MDC parties led by Tsvangirai and Mutambara and Zanu-PF.

The former finance minister told the South African public radio, that "many Zimbabweans" believed his movement should have a role in both the current talks and the future of the country. Despite his exclusion, Makoni however described the Memorandum of Understanding as "a promising start". "I think the key factor here is how serious, honest and genuine are people at solving the country's problems together. We hope that they genuinely mean they wish to work together," he said. Makoni broke ranks with the ruling Zanu-PF party and President Robert Mugabe on February 5 this year when he called a meeting at the same hotel that the MDC and Zanu-PF leaders signed the historic pact on Monday, to announce his presidential ambitions.

He spoke strongly against the staging of the June 27 presidential run off election favouring, instead, the formation of an all inclusive transitional authority to lead the country until the next elections. Many questioned Makoni's credentials to speak with any authority given his dismal performance at the polls on March 29. Mbeki the facilitator in the ongoing negotiations is known to have a soft spot for the former Finance Minister and to prefer him as potential Zimbabwean leader over Tsvangirai.

momerundum of understaning


Robert ana hali mbaya sana maana Wazimbabwe wamemkalia kooni, kumbuka maneno yake kabla ya chakula cha jioni na Morgan hata body language yake ni taabani. Pimbi wote walifukuzwa.

 

[Richard]

This is a significant step towards the resignation of Mr Mugabe.

I take this as the ceasefire only to allow the aid agencies to go back to work.

Also the all region has turned against Mr Mugabe and forced him into a corner. Mr Mugabe has recognised, that he cannot cling to power indefinitely while his economy succumbs to hyperiflation and his people to famine.

Lets wait to see which formula to adopt which Mr Mugabe will accept it.

The price for this action by Mr Mugabe is that, it would diminish the chances of him being sent to the Hague to answer charges of crimes against his people.

These negotiations guarantee a long pause if not the end of Zimbabwe's bloodshed and make the way for the end of Mzee Jongwe Mr Mugabe.