SW Radio Africa (London)
Alex Bell
9 July 2009
Zimbabwe's political leaders have been issued an ultimatum by the power sharing Cabinet, to resolve a number of issues still straining the already fragile relationship between the two MDC formations and ZANU PF.
Tensions within the unity formation have been increasingly evident, and Wednesday's Cabinet meeting reflected a level of animosity between the rival parties. It's understood the meeting was very tense, with heated debate between MDC and ZANU PF members, sparked by residing anger over the boycott of last week's cabinet meeting by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party. The three principals to the unity government are now set to brief Cabinet next Tuesday, apparently to detail how much time they still need to settle certain outstanding issues.
Political analyst Professor John Makumbe on Thursday said the government is not one of unity, but rather a "confusing system where there is a government by the principals, a government by cabinet and a government by each individual party." He said there is a clear lack of cohesion in the government that will not be rectified by an ultimatum by the cabinet.
"I don't see them resolving any of these issues, which are key aspects of power sharing, despite the cabinet ultimatum," Professor Makumbe argued. "Robert Mugabe is not keen on power sharing and he will strongly resist any time given by cabinet to resolve these issues."
There is still yet to be any resolution on key outstanding issues of the Global Political Agreement signed last year, and cracks within the fledgling government have been appearing over the last several months. While the political leaders talk of unity and progress, there has been an ongoing crackdown on MDC and civic activists, MDC Treasurer Roy Bennett has still not been sworn in as deputy agriculture minister, and the National Security Council is yet to convene.
At the same time the two MDC formations have also been at loggerheads over an issue previously only causing tension with ZANU PF. Divisions appeared this week over how to deal with the controversial appointment of Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana. The larger MDC faction led by Tsvangirai is adamant both officials were appointed by Mugabe without the consent of the other partners in the coalition government. But Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, who leads the smaller MDC faction, this week said Tsvangirai should work with Gono and Tomana 'to ensure the country's economic prosperity in the spirit of inclusivity.'
The Tsvangirai MDC countered Mutambara's comments by issuing a strongly worded statement, saying they were 'aware of the existence of a small chorus' calling for Gono and Tomana to remain in office. The party insisted these 'minute' and 'inaudible' voices have been 'drowned by the national chorus for change.'
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