Zimbabwe Power-Sharing Talks a ‘Historic Occasion’
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — President Mugabe shook hands with Morgan Tsvangirai, the Opposition leader, yesterday when the two men, whose bitter struggle has divided Zimbabwe for almost a decade, agreed formal talks to resolve the political crisis.
Their meeting in a Harare hotel, mediated by President Mbeki of South Africa, was their first in 10 years. It occurred in a jovial atmosphere, with the room at times rocking with laughter, in stark contrast to the fear that normally hangs over the country.
Messrs. Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed a “memorandum of understanding” providing for the opening of negotiations between the ruling Zanu-PF party and the Movement for Democratic Change.
These talks will start today in Pretoria, the South African capital. The goal is to form an “inclusive government” within two weeks.
Mr. Mugabe wants a “government of national unity,” allowing him to stay on as president, with Mr. Tsvangirai and other MDC figures included in the cabinet. But the MDC wants a short-lived “transitional authority” paving the way for new elections.
Mr. Mugabe is skilled at outmanoeuvring his opponents. Observers believe he could turn the exercise into a propaganda coup, with Mr. Tsvangirai lending legitimacy to Zimbabwe’s regime and allowing it to end international isolation.
A political commentator and long-standing Mugabe critic, John Makumbe, said that although the talks were important, the MDC risked “legitimizing an illegitimate regime.” He added: “Mugabe wants these negotiations to ease pressure on his regime, and they are going to wave these talks to tell the international community to get off their backs.”
More than 100 Opposition supporters were killed during Zimbabwe’s election campaign, which culminated in a “landslide victory” for Mr. Mugabe after Mr. Tsvangirai — who was arrested five times — withdrew in the face of the violence.
Nonetheless Mr. Tsvangirai, who described the signing as “a very historic occasion,” said: “This is a collective effort and it involves tolerance, compromise and putting the best interests of Zimbabwe at the forefront. There you will not find me wanting.”
He added: “If we put our heads together, I’m sure we can find a solution. In fact, not finding a solution is not an option.”
