BY WILF MBANGA
LONDON – There were no wild scenes of jubilation as the three main political leaders appended their signatures to the power-sharing deal in Harare on Monday.
The three leaders shook hands, but – significantly – did not embrace one another. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai gave an eloquent and moving address, full of hope, promising reconciliation and urging restraint and tolerance as the price to pay for a better tomorrow for all Zimbabweans.
Robert Mugabe looked backward. He was resentful, incoherent at times, and blamed everybody for Zimbabwe’s problems. He made no mention of the deal he had just signed, or about the future. He even used the occasion to take a dig at the MDC which wants much more than it deserves. Â
He also singled out Botswana for having criticised the violent and fraudulent presidential election run-off. Referring to Khama’s public statements on the situation in Zimbabwe, he said: “I will never attack an African leader in public.”
He then went on to chant: “Botswana, Botswana, Botswana! Ooooooh.”
Herein lies the major obstacle to any future cohesion in government. Both Tsvangirai and his deputy, Arthur Mutambara, spoke positively about the future, national unity and making painful decisions necessary to resuscitate the economy for the benefit of all.
Post published in: News