The SADC Troika has given Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF) thirty days to resolve the MDC defined outstanding issues with regard to the global political agreement (GPA). This is a commendable first time for the SADC since all along the toothless bulldog has handled Mugabe with kid gloves.
Some of us know very well that the old man does not respond very positively to deadlines and time limits. At his age, this is quite understandable. It remains to be seen whether any progress can be made to get the inclusive government working again. The only problem with the SADC Troikas demand is that there was no spelling out of the consequences of failure to meet the set deadline. Mugabe will obviously take advantage of this omission and drag his tired feet up to the time of the deadline.
The MDC, for its part, now has to resume co-operating with Zanu (PF). That means they have to attend Cabinet and Council of Ministers meetings again. This is necessary for the full government to work effectively. The forthcoming national budget is desperately awaited, and nothing should be allowed to stand in the way of that critical national planning effort. The MDC have the formidable task of persuading Western countries to lift targeted sanctions against Mugabe and some 200 of his close associates.
There is no likelihood of any of the targeted sanctions being lifted in the near future, unless Mugabe and Zanu (PF) take measures to meaningfully repent from their evil ways within the stipulated timeframe. Currently there is ample evidence that violence, the ugly monster, has reared its head again in the name of Zanu (PF). Some schools have already lost teachers who have been targeted by war veterans and Zanu (PF) militia for allegedly supporting the MDC.
Farm invasions are continuing against the few remaining white commercial farmers. The state media has not relented in its hate language against Tsvangirai and the MDC. We are unlikely to see any real change in these matters in the next 30 days.
It is very likely that Mugabe will finally agree to appoint the six MDC provincial governors as per earlier agreements. But it is doubtful that the geriatric will allow Gideon Gono, governor of the RBZ to vacate office. Gono is Mugabes meal ticket, and allowing him to leave the RBZ will be like spiting ones nose for Mugabe. Tomana is easily dispensable and something of a nuisance really. Mugabe will make a concession with the MDC by sacrificing Tomana in order to retain Gono.
The MDC will be wise to accept that compromise at this stage. Their best bet is to get the legal reforms aimed at the RBZ through both the Cabinet and Parliament as soon as possible so that Gono will not be able to inflict his usual damage to the national economy.
With regard to the swearing in of Roy Bennett as deputy minister of agriculture, there is likely to be considerable contestation between the two parties. It is my strong view that the MDC cannot afford to compromise on this issue. The MDC did not dictate to Mugabe who he should appoint as ministers and deputy ministers. Why should he be allowed to refuse to swear Bennett into office? The issue regarding the pending court case is for the judiciary to determine.
For Mugabe to refuse to swear Bennett into office simply because he has a pending court case is, in fact, an attempt to influence the judiciary albeit in a subtle way. It is the hope and expectation of every Zimbabwean that at the end of the thirty days the MDC and Zanu (PF) will have reached an amicable arrangement for the sake of this agonising nation.
Post published in: Opinions