Democracy News

Zimbabwe to Unify their Government
By Heather Konjura
February 4, 2009 | Printer Friendly

According to Reuters, President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai signed a pact to form a unity government last September to try to end a post-election crisis.  The Wall Street Journal writes that “Mr. Tsvangirai beat Mr. Mugabe in elections in March but the close vote forced another round of balloting.  A brutal government crackdown on opposition members led Mr. Tsvangirai to abandon the run-off election in June.  Mr. Mugabe claimed victory and the presidency in the one-man contest.”  Last Friday, this crisis was resolved when Mr. Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) agreed to join the government.  The Wall Street Journal writes that “Under this arrangement, Mr. Mugabe will remain president and retain control of the military and the media.  Mr. Tsvangirai will become prime minister, and control some economic and social ministries.  The two parties will share control of the police.”  The Wall Street Journal further writes that according to Mr. Tsvangirai, this will be a transitional government that will pave the way towards elections.

The Wall Street Journal writes that, according to prominent opposition politicians, “The development occurred after the Southern African Development Community (SADC), members of a regional advisory body, stepped in to resolve the crisis.  In private meetings with Mr. Tsvangirai, SADC members pointed out that Mr. Mugabe, who turns 85 next month, depends largely on the military to maintain control.  Should the president die or be overthrown by a coup, the constitution could be suspended, leaving little chance that Zimbabweans' lot would improve.” 

The U.S. Department of State’s Acting Department Spokesman, Robert Wood, issued a Press Statement on February 3, 2009, stating that “The success or failure of such a government will depend on credible and inclusive power sharing by Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party.  The international community must remain engaged and continue to scrutinize actions by Mr. Mugabe to ensure adherence to the letter and spirit of this agreement, including respect for human rights and the rule of law.  We urge SADC to fulfill its obligation to guarantee that Mr. Mugabe proceeds on a new path toward reconciliation and genuine partnership with the MDC.”

References:

U.S. Department of State – Zimbabwe: Unity Government Press Release

The Wall Street Journal – Mugabe, Rivals to Rule Zimbabwe

Reuters – Zimbabwe to pass unity government law on Wednesday: media