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Zim opposition: We have not agreed to unity govt

CELEAN JACOBSON | PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - Jan 27 2009 16:06

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Southern African leaders declared on Tuesday that Zimbabwe's rival parties had agreed to form a unity government, but the opposition said that was not the case.

The continuing impasse leaves Zimbabwe embroiled in a prolonged and violent political crisis that has ruined a once-prosperous nation: half the population of the former food exporter faces starvation and a cholera epidemic caused by the collapse of water services has already killed about 3 000 people.

In a communique, nine nations' leaders and Cabinet ministers from four other countries said a Zimbabwean prime minister -- the post opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is to hold -- would be sworn in on February 11 after Parliament passes a constitutional amendment creating the post. Ministers would be sworn in on February 13, the statement from the regional bloc said.

But Nqobizitha Mlilo, a spokesperson for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), told the Associated Press that "The MDC has not agreed to go into government of national unity."

He said his party's leaders would meet on Friday to decide their next step.

South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), told reporters that the opposition had agreed to the coalition government.

"They will ensure that [the Constitutional amendment] is executed and they will present themselves" to form a government, he said.

But an opposition statement released soon after said the summit's conclusions "fall far short of our expectations".

In Harare, the Zimbabwean capital, political scientist Eldred Masunungure of the University of Zimbabwe agreed with the opposition that "this resolution doesn't resolve anything".

CONTINUES BELOW

He called it "a victory for Mugabe and Zanu-PF, but there isn't much for the people of Zimbabwe to enjoy."

An opposition statement noted the summit had failed to address concerns including the equitable sharing of Cabinet posts and the abduction and alleged torture of opposition members by government security agents and police.

The opposition has consistently resisted pressure to join a coalition government, in which it is agreed that Zanu-PF leader Robert Mugabe would remain president, until these disputes are resolved.

The summit, however, agreed to Mugabe's demand that the opposition first enter into government, then resolve outstanding issues.

The leaders also sided with Mugabe in insisting that the rival parties should share the Cabinet portfolio of home affairs -- important because it oversees the police accused of kidnapping and brutalising opposition supporters.

Phandu Skelemani, the Foreign Minister of Botswana, which has been a lone voice in the region in criticising Mugabe, said the suggestion of sharing a ministry was "ridiculous".

Speaking in an interview with SW Radio Africa while the summit was taking place, Skelemani said the Southern African bloc "is divided because we simply don't put the people first but rather an individual".

He said the leaders "feel some kind of obligation toward Mugabe", though, increasingly, some were speaking out in private.

Mugabe said on Tuesday he hoped that the power-sharing agreement with the MDC would lead to a "new chapter".

"We hope that this will open a up a new chapter in our political relations in the country and in structures of government," Mugabe told the state-run television at Harare airport on arriving from the summit held in South Africa.

"We agreed that an inclusive government should be formed. Dates have been stipulated for the various acts ... starting with swearing-in of the top people, the prime minister, deputy prime ministers and ministers," Mugabe said.

"We will look at the concerns that the MDC raised regarding governors and other appointments."

Mugabe also said he hoped a parliamentary amendment would "lead to the legalisation of the agreement".

Both Mugabe and Tsvangirai are under pressure. Some of Tsvangirai's allies say he never should have agreed to serve as prime minister under Mugabe, while Mugabe is constrained by military and civilian aides who don't want to give up power and access to corrupt gains.

Leaders at this week's summit appeared to ignore pressure from all fronts, including Roman Catholic bishops of Southern Africa who called on them to stop supporting Mugabe or accept complicity in a "passive genocide" of Zimbabweans dying of hunger and disease.

The collapse of the water system in Zimbabwe, exacerbated by the crumbling health-care system, has been blamed for the severity of a cholera outbreak that has killed about 3 000 people.

The United Nations on Tuesday put the death toll at 2 971, with more than 56 000 people infected.

The global body said more than one person in every 20 who contract cholera in Zimbabwe is dying. The usual mortality rate for large-scale outbreaks is one in 100.

In the United States, State Department spokesperson Robert Wood said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is reviewing what more the Obama administration can do to help.

"We're just very concerned about the behaviour of Mugabe," he said. "It appear to us that the regime has no interest in its own people ..."

The European Union on Monday added 62 individuals and companies to a blacklist freezing assets and barring travel to those who funnel money to prop up Mugabe and his clique.

Schoolchildren turned away as teachers strike
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean teachers went on strike on Tuesday, paralysing schools on the opening day of the academic year as they protested monthly salaries that are as low as three US dollars.

Pupils had to be turned away as more than 80% of teachers heeded calls to strike, said Raymond Majongwe, head of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ).

"Teachers are sending a clear message that we are suffering. Government must start engaging us positively," Majongwe told AFP.

Schools in Harare asked pupils to return home after teachers failed to show.

"We have reached an 80% success rate as teachers did not report for work across the country. We will be hitting the 100% mark on Thursday," Majongwe warned.

Zimbabwe's Education Ministry had put back school opening day by two weeks to Tuesday, blaming a delay in the marking of last year's exam papers.

Many Zimbabwean teachers have fled to neighbouring countries in recent years because of the low salaries and the economic crisis ravaging the once prosperous country.

Zimbabwean teachers were this month paid 26-trillion Zimbabwe dollars, worth just three US dollars on the parallel market where most currency trading is done.

Teachers went on strike for the greater part of 2008 demanding to be paid salaries in line with the ever-rising inflation, last estimated at 231-million percent in July, but believed to be even higher now.

Striking teachers were on Tuesday demanding monthly salaries that would amount to US$2 200 before they would return to work.

Schools have proposed charging fees in foreign currency as the Zimbabwe dollar loses value every day.

Last year's examinations papers are still to be marked. -- Sapa-AFP

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How many times must we be fed these lies and spin. They are actually not only insane they are showing a marked reluctance to tell the truth. We are tired of our political leaders just playing games with us, we know that politicians seldom tell the truth, but this is ludicrous, we are being treated as if they think we are idiots. Morgan stick to your guns these Mugabe worshippers must learn that you have not joined them in their 'church'. I say shape up or ship out!

Andrew Lawrence on January 27, 2009, 5:48 pm

Let Mugabe go it ALONE----I say MDC--MUST REFUSE TO SIGN ANYTHING...Not even here in South Africa can we have a co-sharing of ministries--WHAT IS THAT???
ZANU-PF is afraid that if MDC takes the Home Affais post--then they wont be able to control and beat up people and also..that those big skeletons hidden in the closet will be exposed!!.......
SADC Leaders are a real disappointment--how about the people that were kidnapped and are being tortured whilst you guys sleep on good stomachs---SHAME ON YOU!!
Children are not going to schools etc...MAN WHEN WILL THIS NIGHTMARE END---MUGABE GET OUT!! PEOPLE DO NOT WANT YOU!!

Thiza Zulu on January 27, 2009, 6:45 pm

Correct me if I'm wrong. The MDC has been crying that there must be equitable ministerial post distribution since September 15 2008, why does SADC leaders mislead us that Tsvangirai is shifting bringing in new demands? What's in it for SADC leaders to behave this way? Better no deal than one crafted to suit certain individuals. Where in the world have you seen ministries being shared?

Lloyd Choto on January 27, 2009, 9:33 pm

MDC is a waiste of space as of now i cut my contributions, if you dont join the goverment and help look after your people, you might have to wait 5 years for the next election

joshua nel on January 28, 2009, 12:33 am

Great--so the MDC is always wright.Isn't it time these dimwits noticed that they have run out of steam.The MDC is a monumental flop!!!!!

phineas hende on January 28, 2009, 8:38 am

I smell rat.I hope these sadc leaders have no skeletons in our zimbabwe.Wisemen say 'when a toad swims up and down at high speed,something is threatening its life'.
Which ministries are these countries sharing with their political rivals?African leaders are disgrace.What makes them anyone with a different view is their enemy.Look at Obama and Clinton.I hope you look at yourselves on your expensive mirrors and be ashamed of yourselves.I guess you wouldn't be coz your are still young at heart with young girls next to you.
We are watching you brothers.

Ngindi Omncane on January 28, 2009, 8:53 am

It's time for the top world leaders to sort out the mess in Zim. SADC is not capable of resolving anything in Africa apart from their own remuneration. SADC is a disgrace & an embarrassment to Africa

David Howarth on January 28, 2009, 10:02 am

Im sorry guys but i see the situation differently. I think though unpopular, this could be the best way SADC can manage this situation, which i see as a smooth though slow ascendency of Tsvangirai to power without causing undue alarm to Mugabe, the generals and ZANU hawks. we should also observe that as PM,Morgan has access to every facet of govt,more exposure by way of TV/RADIO/PRINT, and an opportunity to mobilise Zanu moderates which would be great assets come elections.Its not easy to make it to the presidency and one needs to continously shift strategies in unison with the environment.It took Adulwaye Wade of Senegal 27 years to attain the presidency, so you have your work cut out for you Mr Tsvangirai.

kevin sithole on January 28, 2009, 12:14 pm

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Zim opposition: We have not agreed to unity govt

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