Nairobi — African churches today gave thunderous applause to the power-sharing agreement signed last week to end the political impasse that has caused untold suffering to Zimbabweans.

All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), the umbrella association of Protestant and evangelical churches, described the deal signed between embattled President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsivangirai as "a beacon of hope for the people of Zimbabwe who have prayed and cried for a solution to the crisis."

Zimbabweans, who have suffered under the yoke of political intolerance, oppression and have experienced unrest as well as unbearable economic and humanitarian hardships, "are the real heroes in this process and are the first to be honored for their perseverance and relentless quest for peaceful change in Zimbabwe."

AACC further said the deal signalled prospects for peace and stability in the country. "But we also acknowledge the need for all stakeholders to join hands in the process of rebuilding Zimbabwe into a prosperous, peaceful and democratic nation. The roots of hatred, fear and bitterness have to be pulled out and a process of healing, truth, restorative justice and reconciliation has to be embarked upon. The right time for this is now!"

The parties to the agreement, AACC said, should continue to show practical and effective leadership as servants to the nation. Africa expects them to turn "swords into ploughshares" by nurturing a spirit of reciprocal tolerance and inclusiveness in the dialogue on the way forward.

They should take necessary steps to reform the economy, including a righteous settlement of the land issue.

AACC also called for inclusion of churches and civil society organizations in the rebuilding process and for removal of the humanitarian aid blockade. The leaders should make every effort to regain the confidence of the Zimbabwean people, fellow Africans and the global community.

The ecumenical association expressed satisfaction with the mediation efforts and called on South African President Thabo Mbeki, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to continue to accompany the Zimbabwean nation in this critical time.

"The [AACC] reiterates its longstanding commitment to accompany Zimbabwe and its people in prayer, solidarity and assistance in the rebuilding process that is now to start. May God Bless Zimbabwe!"