Zimbabwe's New Power-sharing Deal
Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai Reach Power-sharing Agreement
Sep 18, 2008
After almost three decades of power-struggling, Zimbabwean President and head of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) party, Robert Mugabe, has surrendered some power to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The particularly African solution is yet to fully form, and is the first move towards rescuing the nation. Zimbabwe, with an annual inflation rate of approximately 11,000,000% and millions of emigrants, hopes to end its current international isolation and bring about complete political reform.
In response to the agreement’s finalization, opposition leader Tsvangirai ironically used a line previously only heard in Mugabe’s 1980 presidential inauguration speech. “It is time to turn our swords into plough-shares”
Mugabe later said that he would mark the date a “second liberation” of Zimbabwe and remarked he hopes his nation can now free itself of colonialism.
Zimbabwean Colonial Rule and Insurrection
In 1888, British colonialist Cecil Rhodes obtained a concession for mining rights from King Lobengula of the Ndebele people and consequently was granted a royal charter by the UK government to vast Southern Rhodesian territory. This area, later known as Zimbabwe, became a self-governing British colony in 1923.
In November 1965, the prime-minister of Southern Rhodesia, Ian Smith, unilaterally declared independence from British Governance. After the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) and a number of sanctions by the United Kingdom, the Smith administration declared itself a republic in 1970. Guerrilla warfare intensified from 1970 to 1979, and the Smith administration eventually opened negotiations with the two patriotic fronts, ZANU and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) led by Joshua Nkomo.
In December 1979, British and Rhodesian delegates ended the civil war by signing the Lancaster House Agreement and in the free elections of 1980, Robert Mugabe and ZANU won a landslide victory making him Zimbabwe’s first president.
Effect of the New Deal upon Zimbabwe Leadership
As a result of the power-sharing agreement, Tsvangirai will be granted a seat on the National Security Council, become deputy chairman of the cabinet and, despite reporting to the President, will oversee formulation of government policies and running of government business. Mugabe will retain his position as President and control of the armed forces as well as his position as chairman of the cabinet, although executive powers will be shared with Tsvangirai.
Furthermore, Mugabe will retain the right to be informed on government business, the right to declare or terminate martial laws on the basis of the constitution and the ability to dissolve parliament and allocate portfolios to ministers. Thus it seems the success of this solution may depend on whether Tsvangirai falls into Mugabe’s trap, or if a new trap is created for Mugabe. After already indicating that Zimbabwe is entering its second liberation, it may be an opportunistic time for Mugabe to retire quietly should the move succeed.
Potential Outcome of the Agreement
There is no illusion of the deal being a fairy godmother which can immediately cure the sickness etched into Zimbabwe; however it’s clearly an unprecedented step in the right direction. African politics rarely churns out a positive movement and is nothing but positive. The challenge will now be in the implementation of successful policies which eventuate into a working government with a sustainable future. Should the scheme work, expect to see a lift on international sanctions on Zimbabwe and a flow of aid to the approximated 500 000 citizens which have been stranded in the wake of the brutal regime.
African politicians should note how successful African diplomacy and policy can be if given the chance. In light of the huge international interest currently being expressed it seems Zimbabwean politics will be closely watched over the coming years.
 |
