Zimbabwe's three principal political leaders signed a power-sharing agreement in Harare on Monday, bringing to an end nearly 30 years of exclusive rule by the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF).

At a ceremony presided over by leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a packed conference hall erupted in cheers and whistles as the SADC chair and facilitator, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, announced Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai as "the Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe."

As the leaders signed copies of the agreement, a praise-singer cried out: "Halala, Africa!" (Congratulations, Africa). "Africa you are able! Africa you can do it! Africa you can show it... Mama Africa, today we see your rebirth!"

The ceremony was broadcast live in Zimbabwe and neighbouring South Africa.

When Tsvangirai, President Robert Mugabe and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara exchanged signed documents, Mbeki brought them together and encouraged them jointly to shake hands.

King Mswati III of Swaziland, who chairs the SADC "Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation," and President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, chair of the African Union, joined Mbeki in presiding over the signing.

Presidents Ian Khama of Botswana, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Armando Guebuza of Mozambique and Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, acting Zambian President Rupiah Banda and Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili of Lesotho also attended the ceremony.