Tanzania, the current chair of the African Union has called for an immediate end to the crisis in the country by pushing for a 50/50 power sharing deal between the MDC and ZANU PF.
President Jakaya Kikwete looks ready to flex his political muscle following a catalogue of failures presided over by South African President Thabo Mbeki to get the warring parties to agree to a peace deal which will end the country's decade long economic collapse.
Foreign Minister Bernard Membe told journalists in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania that they want to see a 50/50 power sharing deal agreed for Zimbabwe immediately to stem a growing economic crisis.
"There is a problem and we still hope the mediation will continue, and we still hope wisdom will prevail. We would prefer a solution be arrived at immediately because of the escalating economic crisis. We still pray that a solution will be found towards a 50 percent power sharing solution," Membe said.
Membe' statement comes a day after MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa told Newsreel they would soon approach the AU for advice on the way forward.
Both the MDC and ZANU PF said talks that resumed on Friday in South Africa did not reach agreement. The negotiators from all parties separately met Mbeki, who is mediating the discussions.
Political analyst Bekithemba Mhlanga said it's clear the talks have stalled over how to share executive power between Mugabe and Tsvangirai, "so any new input into the talks should define the roles of the two men."
He added, "I think we have reached a point where everyone agrees a deal between the two sides should reflect the will of the people as demonstrated by events on the 29th March."
Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in the March election but fell short of enough votes to avoid a run-off vote, which was 'won' by Mugabe unopposed after Tsvangirai pulled out citing violence and intimidation against his supporters.
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Tanzania is right. In fact based on 29 March results sharing power equally would mean ZANU (PF) getting more than what they deserve. I think the way forward given ZANU (PF)'s stubbornness is to have Tsvangirai as executive Prime Minister (PM) reporting to Parliament and in charge of economic and social ministries. Mugabe (since he refuses to be Ceremonial President), would be executive president in charge of political and security ministries. Two thirds of elected MPs and Senators (excluding chiefs, governors and 5 appointed senators) can dismiss the PM and/or the President. The PM would update (not report to) the President on his functions at least once every month. I think this kind of arrangementis is the best option for Zimbabwe.
NOW IS THE TIME
Mugabe is very suspicious of President Kikwete who, he fears, as always, is trying to implement Bush's agenda.
The most important point nevertheless is what Tanzania has not said so far! Should Mugabe reject all dilution of his exclusive power, Tanzania may be tempted to have recourse to drastic measures to stop Zimbabwe's rotten situation to further impact adversely on Tanzania's own situation!
The precedent case of Tanzania invading Uganda comes to mind as a last resort should lunatic Mugabe continue to ridicule concerns of his fellow neighbours!
prem i really don't think GNU or 50/50 power sharing is a Bush thing. Applaud were Afrcians do good. Obviously 50/50 is the best way forward considering that these two parties all got 40% + in the March election that's why Simba was excluded because he got a very small %. We all should put pressure on these two parties to work together for the good of the country & for the sake of progress that was stalled more than 10yrs ago.
My Dear Medza, count the millions of vote of those Mugabe terrorised to seek refuge abroad who would have voted MDCs and you get an overwhelming humiliating defeat of Mugabe!
50/50 would mean to rehabilitate somebody who is clinging to power illegitimately!
50/50 would mean all Mugabe thugs would continue to control the state repression machineries!!
MDC-T is right to insist on executive power to be vested on the PM. The most people can concede is for Mugabe to become a figurehead President.
Otherwise, it's worth to continue the struggle to cleanse Zimbabwe of all corrupt and bloodstained cronies and thugs of the dictator. Thus a new start will help you catch up with lost time faster!
Some more sacrifice would be worth going through, though it is painful! Black South Africans continued pressing for complete sanctions although they were experiencing acute problems. They are today enjoying the fruits of their sacrifice.
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