Wilson Johwa
19 August 2008
Johannesburg — ZIMBABWE's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is again turning to regional leaders to help break the deadlock in power-sharing talks, after the failure to clinch a deal at the weekend summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) raised fresh doubts over the progress of the negotiations.
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday headed off on a 10-day tour to consult regional leaders in an apparent bid to bring greater pressure to bear on President Robert Mugabe, and the SADC-mandated mediator, President Thabo Mbeki.
While Mbeki insisted after the SADC summit on Sunday that a solution remained within the negotiators' grasp, observers said his credibility had been further dented by the failure of the talks, which were dragging on well beyond the original deadline.
Tellingly, Tsvangirai's first port of call is Botswana, whose President Ian Khama has emerged as a staunch critic of Mugabe's ploys to stay in power. Khama was a notable stayaway from the SADC summit. However, not only Botswana, but several other southern African governments have registered growing dissatisfaction with Mugabe and the wider effects of his misrule on the region.
MDC sources said Tsvangirai hoped to channel this growing unease with the Zimbabwean impasse into pressure on Mugabe and Mbeki.
His trip will add at least 10 days to the deadline, originally two weeks since the signing of a memorandum of understanding on July 21. However, in contrast with the MDC's apparent unease at Mbeki's performance, Mugabe's ruling Zanu (PF) yesterday again came out in support of Mbeki, saying also it remained committed to the talks.
"We hope a deal can be finalised in the fullness of time," said Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa. He declined to say when the talks would resume.
Chinamasa said parliament would have to be convened, a point raised by Mbeki in his closing address to the summit.
This presents another potential dispute with the MDC, which opposes the move, sensing it could solidify Mugabe's grip on power.
"Parliament will have to be convened sooner rather than later, but I cannot say when. That is the president's prerogative, he will decide. It's almost five months since they (the MPs) were elected," Chinamasa said.
Tsvangirai spokesman George Sibotshiwe said the regional tour was part of a process to "unlock the deadlocks".
"The Zimbabwe issue is far from resolved and so the continent as a whole has a responsibility to continue to engage with us in finding solutions," he said.
The tour is Tsvangirai's latest regional initiative.
Soon after the March 29 elections he went around the region explaining the MDC's position and lobbying leaders for the release of election results which eventually came only weeks after the poll.
Since then the mood in SADC has changed, with leaders appearing to have broken ranks with Mugabe. Even staunch former ally Angola now seems less understanding.
Brian Raftopoulos, research director at the church-based Solidarity Peace Trust, said Tsvangirai could be attempting to exert new influence on the mediation. "He could be trying to put more pressure on the regional leaders to put pressure on Mugabe and Mbeki," he said.
But sources close to the talks said the trip was an attempt to win over regional leaders after they refused to accept Tsvangirai's position at the summit.
"He believes he has lost ground," said a source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
At issue was Tsvangirai's insistence that he assume all executive powers, with Mugabe playing a ceremonial role. "He wants power transfer and not power-sharing and obviously Zanu (PF) are not going to accept that," said the source.
The initial target of the two MDC factions was a Kenya-style deal under which there would be two centres of power. But having achieved that, Tsvangirai wanted more control, the source said.
MDC officials said Mugabe wanted to retain control of the government, and chair the cabinet, allowing Tsvangirai some ministries.
Key western countries, whose support would be crucial for turning around Zimbabwe's economy, have said they will only recognise a government led by Tsvangirai.
Analysts said Tsvangirai's only leverage is the aid package he can unlock.
"Unless Tsvangirai signs on the dotted line the crisis continues, not only simply because the billions of foreign aid does not become available, but also because he does represent a significant majority of the Zimbabwean population," said Adam Habib, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg.
With Reuters
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Mbeki disqualified himself as facilitator when he sided with Mugabe to float the idea of the possibility that parliament would have to be called while talks were dragging on!
How can he condoned an illegitimate President to convene parliament? No doubt one can understand why the ANC showed him the door!
Why should Tsvangirai serve under a bloodstained illegitimate president with executive power.
Beware Mugabe! Déby condemned to death already! Musharaf forced by a legitimate coalition of parties to resign! When will you recognize the acute pains you are inflicting upon your people and hence resign in the national interest… [Read Full Text]