The announcement was a major blow to Zimbabweans who thought that the signing of the government of national unity (GNU) deal Monday would automatically see their lives change for the better.
At first, there were claims that the appointment of the cabinet was just a temporary delay, but sources on the ground said that was not the case. ZANU-PF has not intention of giving up power fast, but is dragging it feet, taking its time before it implements the GNU deal, analysts said.
As text-book example of how ZANU-PF intends to drag out the implementation of the GNU deal, analysts pointed to Robert Mugabe who, instead of meeting Morgan Tsvangirai to put together the new cabinet, chose to spend some time with ZANU-PF cronies Wednesday. Mugabe was said to be ‘consulting’ with his ZANU-PF colleagues.
In defence of ZANU-PF, former minister of justice and cheif ZANU-PF negotioator during the GNU talks Patrick Chinasa said it was not possible for a new cabinet to be formed as the relevant constitutional changes haven’t been made.
“These amendments would be tabled before parliament when it opens next month,” Chinamasa said.
The Zimbabwe Parliament has been adjourned to Oct 14. Strangely, Chinamasa said the October 14 date would not be brought forward, effectively implying that the cabinet would not take office for another two months or more.
It took two months for a cabinet to be formed in Kenya where a similar deal was hammered former United Nations chief Kofi Annan.
Delays in the formation of a new cabinet has seen confusion and foreboding grow in Zimbabwe, replacing the hope and euphoria that had been generated by the signing of the GNU deal Monday.
Nelson Chamisa, the MDC’s spokesman, acknowledged that there was “anxiety in the country”.
“People would want to see movement in terms of the realization of the actual deal,” he said. “As the MDC, we want to urgently respond to the desperate and dire situation Zimbabweans find themselves in.”
The GNU deal, it appears, will not automatically bring relief to the suffering people of Zimbabwe. There will be several weeks of hardship, pain, and suffering as ZANU-PF takes its time in implementing the GNU deal.
The reluctance by ZANU-PF to push through with the implementation of the GNU deal has seen many western nations with sanctions on ZANU-PF adopt ‘a wait-and-see’ attitude, opting to see real changes before they can lift the sanctions.
Harare Tribune