Zuma team to patch Zimbabwe coalition rifts

By Kitsepile Nyathi

HARARE- South African President Jacob Zuma has once again dispatched to Zimbabwe his team after fresh disputes threatening the fragile unity government emerged. The arrival of the team came a few days after Zimbabwe PM Morgan Tsvangirai launched a regional diplomatic offensive to try and force President Robert Mugabe to honour their power sharing agreement. Zuma’s team comprises his international relations advisor, Ms Lindiwe Zulu and former ministers Charles Nqakula (pictured) and Mac Maharaj.

Mr Tsvangirai visited South Africa and Botswana over the weekend where he reportedly complained that the veteran ruler was not being sincere in the implementation of the pact.

Usurp rival’s powers

Zanu PF had also accused Mr Tsvangirai of trying to usurp his former rival’s powers by trying to force ministers to report directly to him instead of the president. The widening divisions were also laid bare during the recent visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Prime Minister Tsvangirai and ministers from his Movement for Democratic Change boycotted all the official functions where the Iranian leader was invited leading to accusations that the party was taking instructions from Mr Mugabe’s sworn enemies in the West.

The parties have also failed to agree on several outstanding issues from their power sharing agreement signed in September 2008, which continue to undermine the coalition formed last year. They include President Mugabe’s unilateral appointment of the central bank governor and the attorney general. Zanu PF says it wants the MDC to first call for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Mr Mugabe and his inner circle before a compromise can be reached on the outstanding issues.

Although Ms Zulu dismissed reports that President Zuma was mulling an emergency summit on Zimbabwe, she said the Southern African Development Committee appointed mediator was concerned about developments in the country.

“There are no plans for a summit whatsoever but President Zuma is busy with the Zimbabwe issue,” she said. Mr Tsvangirai has said that Zimbabwe must go for fresh elections if the SADC mediation fails to break the impasse. Daily Nation

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