Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Harare (Agenzia Fides) – There is a cautious hope for reaching an accord in the drawn out crisis of Zimbabwe. After President Robert Mugabe decided to name key Ministers (Defense, Exterior, Interior, etc...) for the government, which is supposedly of national unity, sparks went off in the opposition (see Fides 13/10/2008) and the mediation effort begun by former South African President Thabo Mbeki seems to have opened another window towards a positive solution.
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the main opposition party, told journalists that he “hoped” that an agreement can be reached today, October 15.
This past September 15, an accord had been signed between the majority and the opposition (which also included the dissident faction of the MDC), for the formation of a government of national unity. However, controversy has arisen as to the assignment of key positions in the new government, especially regarding those Ministers that control the army and the police force.
Mugabe is also facing pressures from military leaders and security service agents who are afraid of facing charges once the new government is in power. This especially affects the members of the so-called “Joint Operations Command,” the closest supporters of Mugabe, who oppose the formation of a government of national unity, until they assured acquittal.
In recent months, those who supported the opposition suffered abuse from security forces: arbitrary arrests, torture, forced closure of MDC buildings. At least 100 people died from the violence provoked by the police forces and the paramilitary groups supporting Mugabe. The opposition has issued a list of 200 officials who led the campaign of intimidation.
Mbeki’s mediation effort (which had originally been planned for the accord on September 15) is thus more difficult, considering that he no longer is President (after having to resign upon the request of the majority of his party, the African National Congress). His negotiating power, therefore, has diminished. However, he has not given up, as he is aware of the fact that a victory would mean revenge on his rivals in the ANC and those who criticize his work in Zimbabwe. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2008)
