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Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Thursday, 11 September 2008 |
Zimbabwean main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai arrives for talks in Harare Sunday Aug. 10, 2008. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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HARARE, Zimbabwe - President Robert Mugabe agreed to share power with the opposition Thursday after more than two decades as Zimbabwe's unchallenged leader, according to the South African mediator.
South African President Thabo Mbeki, who worked out the deal, did not immediately offer details, but said Thursday the agreement would be signed and made public Monday.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai also told reporters the parties "have got a deal." There was no immediate statement from the 84-year-old Mugabe.
Mbeki has been in Zimbabwe since Monday trying to resolve the impasse over who would wield the most authority in a unity government. For a year, he has been trying to bring Mugabe and Tsvangirai closer together, insisting despite accusations he was biased in favour of Mugabe that his policy of refusing to confront or publicly criticize either party was the best approach.
But others, including African leaders traditionally reluctant to criticize one of their own, had been increasingly impatient with Mugabe, who has been accused of trampling on Zimbabwean's political rights and ruining the economy of what had once been the region's breadbasket. Neighbouring countries coping with Zimbabwean refugees were among the sharpest critics.
Tsvangirai's party won the most votes in legislative and presidential elections in March, but he did not win enough to avoid a run-off against Mugabe. An onslaught of state-sponsored violence against Tsvangirai's supporters forced him to drop out of the presidential run-off.
Mugabe kept Tsvangirai's name on the ballot and was declared the overwhelming winner of a run-off that was widely denounced as a sham.
Citing the March results, Tsvangirai says he should be head of government and preside over cabinet meetings, while Mugabe should be relegated to a ceremonial position. Mugabe had shown little willingness to relinquish much power.
Much of Mugabe's popularity at home and across the continent is linked to his image as a proud African leader unafraid to defy the West. Tsvangirai, who lacks Mugabe's anti-colonial credentials, has said Zimbabwe needs to work with the West to overcome its economic and political crises.
A political settlement would free the leaders to address Zimbabwe's severe economic problems, which include having the world's highest inflation rate and chronic food and fuel shortages.
Foreign investors have been wary because of the political uncertainty. Western governments are poised to help with grants and loans, but will not deal with Mugabe, whom they denounce as a dictator.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 September 2008 )
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