Zimbabwe coalition turf war intensifies

Mr Tsvangirai who joined Mr Mugabe in a unity government in February under pressure from Zimbabwes neighbours to end almost a decade of political turmoil is now accused of trying to strip the presidency of all its powers by the 85 year-old leaders loyalists.

State media, which usually reflects the thinking in Mr Mugabes Zanu(PF) party, reported on Thursday that Mr Tsvangirai proposals tabled in cabinet recently were an affront to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the constitution.

The fragile coalition has lurched from once crisis to another since its formation in February and the latest fight is over the control of the key cabinet portfolios of media and telecommunications.

The Herald newspaper said Mr Tsvangirai wants ministers to report directly to him instead of President Mugabe.

Ministers are required to report to the PM not to the President and the PM in turn reports to the President, the Herald quoted Mr Tsvangirais proposal to cabinet as saying.

And an acting minister should consult the PM rather than the president in matters involving policy initiatives or legislation since it is the PM who is responsible for overseeing initiatives and legislation.

Some Zanu(PF) ministers have refused to take instructions from Mr Tsvangirai arguing that they are only accountable to Mr Mugabe.

But the PM, who has come under pressure from his own Movement for Democratic Change for his perceived softly-softly approach to the veteran rulers now frequent violation of the GPA, also argues that it is inappropriate to refer to Mr Mugabe as Head of State and government

He also wants the council of ministers, which he chairs to be elevated to the same status as cabinet while hinting that it was his duty to assign ministers Acts of Parliament to administer.

Mr Tsvangirai also argues that his powers in the inclusive government have been diminished by Mr Mugabes overbearing attitude.

An unnamed government official believed to be from Zanu(PF) was quoted saying the proposals were “part of an MDC-T grand plan to weaken ministries that do not fall under its portfolios”.

“MDC-T is trying to smuggle into government issues it failed to have factored into the GPA and this is a wrong way to go about it because it shows that the party is not sincere about what it signed up to.

“This is a deliberate attempt to kill the Presidency and strengthen the Prime Ministers Office. Strictly speaking, the Premier is a minister.

The MDC referred a number outstanding issues to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for arbitration after Mr Mugabe reneged on a number of agreements.

SADC the guarantors of last years September 15 agreement between Zimbabwes main parties is expected to convene a summit soon to tackle the problems.

Daily Nation