Southern African Regional Envoys Expected in Harare Ahead of Namibia Summit
The MDC statement quoted Mr. Tsvangirai as saying his party continues to
object to unilateral decisions made by President Robert Mugabe, declaring
that he is ‘just a partner’ in the national unity government in Harare
Blessing Zulu 03 August 2010
A team from the Southern African Development Community is expected in Harare
in the next two weeks to review progress by the Harare unity government in
resolving troublesome issues ahead of a SADC summit meeting in Windhoek,
Namibia, later this month, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai disclosed
Tuesday.
In a statement, Mr. Tsvangirai said the main concern for his party is the
resolution of outstanding issues related to the 2008 Global Political
Agreement for power sharing, including the swearing-in as deputy agriculture
minister of of Roy Bennett, a senate member and treasurer of Mr.
Tsvangirai’s formation of the Movement for Democratic Change, and more
generally questions of consultation and consensus in governance and
decision-making.
The MDC statement quoted Mr. Tsvangirai as saying his party continues to
object to unilateral decisions made by President Robert Mugabe, declaring
that “He is just a partner in government.”
Mr. Tsvangirai also complained about the continuing broadcast by state radio
and television of musical spots praising Mr. Mugabe and ZANU-PF, saying the
airing of such jingles is toxic and jeopardizes power sharing.
Meanwhile, sources said South African President Jacob Zuma Tuesday sent
envoy Mac Maharaj back to Harare barely a week after he traveled to the
Zimbabwean capital for consultations. Maharaj met Mr. Tsvangirai Tuesday
morning and was also expected to meet President Mugabe and Deputy Prime
Minister Arthur Mutambara.
The flurry of activity comes ahead of the Southern African Development
Community summit, but SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao said it is too
early to discuss the mission of the regional group.
Political analyst Trevor Maisiri said the Tsvangirai MDC is likely to be
disappointed again by SADC, arguing that there is little the party can do to
resolve the issues troubling the power-sharing government.