News of the agreement on Amendment 19 may bring hope to some, but in the absence of concession by Zanu (PF) to the MDC's demands for true power-sharing, there will be no solution to our Mugabe-made disaster. After all, he has got all the concessions he needed from Morgan Tsvangirai.
He has had recognition as head of state of Zimbabwe – which he desperately needed following the sham June run-off election. His hand has been strengthened by the signing of the deal in Harare three months ago. SADC is now going along with his suggestion of sharing the ministry of Home Affairs with the MDC, while remaining silent on MDC’s demands for genuine power sharing.
Mugabe knew all along that he would renege on the deal – even to the extent of altering the agreement to change the composition of seats in the Senate, thereby increasing his control of the upper house.
He knew full well that the MDC would reject this. Besides the MDC’s objections to the current arrangement, there are many other grey areas in the deal that could still scupper agreement in future. It is quite obvious that Zanu has not been negotiating in good faith. It has planted countless landmines for the MDC along the way.
Although the MDC has agreed to Amendment 19, it is important that they don’t get rushed into voting for it in Parliament before the outstanding issues are resolved. Don’t forget – we are dealing with a lawless government. One only has to look at their reaction to the SADC Tribunal’s ruling last week on the land invasions.
The continuing arrest and murder of MDC activists by state-sponsored thugs is another indication of the true nature of Zanu (PF) – and its unwillingness to change.
Our advice to the MDC is: You have been bitten once. Don’t get caught napping again. Whatever is not written into the agreement now will never be solved later.
Word for Today
The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him. – Nahum 1:7 (AMP)