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Zimbabwe: Public Confusion Over GNU


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Zimbabwe Standard (Harare)

5 July 2008
Posted to the web 6 July 2008

Vusumuzi Sifile
Harare

MEMBERS of the public view the much touted power-sharing deal that could result in a government of national unity (GNU) between Zanu PF and the MDC with a mixture of hope, suspicion and in some instances, disappointment, The Standard can report.

Some believe the only way out of the current crisis lies in a power-sharing agreement between the two parties, but others think the arrangement will only benefit Zanu PF.

Although agreeing in principle that there is need for dialogue, both Zanu PF and the MDC also appear to differ on some issues regarding the GNU.

Before and after the widely disputed 27 June presidential election run-off, which had President Robert Mugabe as the only candidate following opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's withdrawal, Southern African leaders and the international community called for a GNU.

Speaking at his inauguration, Mugabe invited the opposition to negotiations to end the country's crisis. He repeated the call on Friday on his return from the 11th

session of the African Union summit in Egypt, saying the opposition should "disabuse" themselves of their claim to power and invited them to dialogue instead.

At the summit, African leaders supported a Kenya-style deal between Zanu PF and the MDC, saying this would promote "peace, stability, democracy and the reconciliation of the Zimbabwean people ... "

But in random interviews, residents of Harare said a GNU would not solve the current economic and political crisis. They feared this could see representatives of the different political formations pushing the agendas of their parties, or individuals positioning themselves, which could worsen the political impasse. What the country needs, some said, is a transitional arrangement with a limited lifespan.

Some said they feared Mugabe would cow the opposition into silence, allowing him to continue presiding over the ongoing political and economic crisis.

"People have not forgotten how Mugabe cheated (the late Vice-President Joshua) Nkomo under the guise of a Unity Accord," said Bryant Mdhara of Dzivaresekwa high-density suburb. "Although people choose not to talk about it, they are aware that Mugabe assumed total control of the country after rendering Nkomo powerless through that pact. Nothing can stop him doing to the MDC what he did to PF Zapu."

There have also been calls for fresh polls, under a new constitution.

"We cannot be talking of a GNU after that controversial run-off," said Oripa Mwaita from Warren Park. "Most people would agree that we need fresh polls which will be free and fair, and then we can start charting the way-forward."

This call has been supported by civil society organisations.

Others urged Tsvangirai to continue fighting saying the only way out is a complete change of government.

Petros Chaumba also of Warren Park said: "Mugabe has failed the country and should just give way to new minds. Tsvangirai should disregard this talk about unity and continue lobbying the international community for help so we can conduct fresh polls. This would allow us to freely decide the fate of our country, rather than have a few individuals making some costly compromises."

The deputy secretary general in the MDC Mutambara faction, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, said dialogue would be the best solution to the current impasse.

"Dialogue is the only solution to the country's problems," she said.

"We need a national solution that is acceptable to all parties and the generality of the people of Zimbabwe. Whether that solution would be a government of national unity or whatever arrangements are issues of dialogue. We want to seek a national solution."

She would however not be drawn into indicating whether her party, which boycotted Mugabe's inauguration last Sunday, would take up any offers of positions in government.

On Wednesday, Tsvangirai - who has agreed to negotiate with Zanu PF if certain conditions are met - said "a GNU does not address the problems of Zimbabwe or acknowledge the will of the Zimbabwean people". He called for negotiations that will lead to a "transitional agreement".

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"Our commitment to a negotiated settlement is not about power sharing or power deals but democracy, freedom and justice," Tsvangirai said. "The principle is a transition, but it must be a transition that is going to soft-land this crisis leading to elections ... for us it's very simple, either they engage in negotiation or there is no engagement. They have elected themselves, they have inaugurated themselves, and they can as well run the country."

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Read comments. Write your own.

Author: Lindiwe

Mon Jul 7 11:13:09 2008

The Zimbabwe issue has been a painful experience,especially for those who are attached to our fellow brothers and sisters in that country. The biggest failure in Zimbabwe,is the failure for Robert Mugabe to accept change,he thinks that zimbabwe belongs to him.Not knowing that it is God who appoints leadership and removes from leadership.History has taught us lesson,there was a man in the Bible called Nebuchadnezzar who was king and thought that no could remove him from power.But suddenly God made him mad and he went in the wilderness to live with animals,he become an animal in character,that is… [Read Full Text]

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