The power-sharing deal reached in Zimbabawe is certainly an historic development. It’s hard not to conclude that it’s a positive one too. After all, the pro-West MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, will now have some role in the governance of the country. Ok, he should have been made President back in March, if democracy had been allowed to run its course. But, on that front, this latest still seems like a step in the right direction.
But it’s also difficult not to be sceptical about the deal. Details will be announced on Monday, but early word is that we’ll effectively be looking at two parallel governments – Tsvangirai will be Prime Minister, chairing a new council of ministers and looking after the day-to-day running of Zimbabawe. Whilst Mugabe will remain as President, and have control of the cabinet. The potential for deadlock and conflict between the two halves is immense.
If Mugabe’s premiership has shown us anything about the man, it’s that he doesn’t relinquish power willingly – and he wields it brutally. Will Tsvangirai actually be able to end the repression, strife and violence in Zimbabwe? Will he be able to get the Zimababwean economy back on the right track? It’s hoped that his new role in government will allow an international presence in the country, to oversee these efforts. But it’s still going to be difficult.
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