We at CHRR feel that, although the deal is a subversion of the people’s will by self-seeking politicians who are prepared to cling to power at all costs, it is at the moment the only way out of the current political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe. It is a necessary evil whose real worth stands in as long as it gives some form of relief to the people of Zimbabwe who have suffered so much since the debacle started, said CHRR in a media statement issued by its executive director Undule Mwakasungula.
The agreement, reached between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, ended a six-month deadlock. It will allow the government to focus on the southern African nation’s decade-long recession and the world’s highest inflation rate of 11.2 million percent. Â
Under the agreement, the Movement for Democratic Change’s Tsvangirai, 56, will become prime minister, heading a council of ministers.
CHRRÂ commended the parties involved in the deal for finding a common ground. Â
Whatever is in the deal, the very act of them agreeing and finding common ground is the turning point for the great nation of Zimbabwe. Our prayer is that no one will put their foot in the wrong place and break the agreement, said the statement.
As a piece of paper, the deal is useless. It is the actions of politicians that willgive it substance. The late President of Zambia, Levi Patrick Mwanawasa once described Zimbabwe as a ‘sinking titanic.’ It would require the effort of every politician to save this ship from sinking further into the depth of economic and political crisis, said CHRR in the statement.
The rights campaigners said the power-sharing deal is not an end in itself -and should not be viewed as such but only a means to an end. Â
The organisation said the next progress should be towards creating a new, people-driven constitution that will lead to fresh elections as soon as possible.
Malawi government spokesperson Patricia Kaliati, said countries in Africa should emulate the good example of Zimbabwe which has resolved its political conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation .
“These are the type of leaders which Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, would like to have. These are leaders who realise that their people need food, health care, water, education and other basic necessities – and not squabbles,” she said.
John Tembo president of the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) told a news conference that he does not support the power-sharing deal phenomenon.
Tembo said the post-elections power-sharing deals should not be encouraged, as it defeats the purpose of democracy.
The MCP president however hailed the compromise made by Tsvangirai, saying it would benefit the majority of Zimbabweans he said, have suffered for a long time. – Nyasa Times