The power sharing deal was a product of long drawn negotiations brokered by long time mediator, President Thabo Mbeki. It was no wonder then that many Zimbabweans and their friends turned up in large numbers to witness this historic event. They cheered and sang songs of joy and praise for Mugabe and Tsvangirai and all those mediators who had paved way for agreement. The looks on their faces exemplified hope, hope and only hope.

To many, the signing of the deal was like the rising of the sun to wash away a long spell of darkness and gloom that had engulfed the country for days after the disputed election in March. All citizens, from all walks of life and across the political divide set aside their differences to sit side by side with one another to witness the singing. Those who could not attend remained glued to television and radio sets to follow proceedings as they unfolded. All eyes the world over were turned on Zimbabwe.

Thirty three days after this historic event an aura of uncertainty hangs in the air. After days of prolonged labour there are no signs of a delivery. The mid-wife has been recalled. Will he deliver a life or a still birth? That’s a question for another day.
The signing of the agreement brought forth twins. One, it legitimised Mugabe’s Presidency (life birth). And, two, it offered the opportunity for Tsvangirai to forfeit any claim to power (still birth).

President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 28th Anniversary in power in style. He was feted by his peers and extolled by his nemesis. Did I tell you he did it again? The Machiavelli in him is adept at playing power politics.

He is keen to consign Tsvangirai into political oblivion. On Monday, hours before Mbeki landed President Mugabe presided over the swearing in of his former vice presidents as the new vice presidents. The Agreement indicates that “There shall be two vice-presidents, who will be nominated by the president and/or ZANU-PF.”
So in essence President Mugabe was exercising his power as vested in the Constitution and as per terms outlined in the power deal. A few days earlier, a list of the sharing of cabinet portfolios was published in the official government gazette much to the displeasure of the MDCs. The MDC claim ZANU-PF grabbed all the key ministries leaving them toothless.

What options are open for the MDCs? Tsvangirai has threatened to pull out of the deal. But what is there to gain from walking out? In fact he is walking into ZANU-PF’s trap. It is an open secret that the ZANU-PF politburo is uncomfortable with working with Tsvangirai. The First Lady, Grace Mugabe, even went public that Morgan would not be allowed into state house.

For ZANU-PF, a walk out by the MDCs is a triumph. The party operatives can now continue to load over Zimbabwe without looking over their shoulder to check of the agents of colonial masters are listening. Mugabe’s focus remains consolidating his hold on power and prioritising personal (and ZANU-PF) interests, over the interest of the nation or the wishes of the international community. He can now do so with comfort.

Did Tsvangirai seal his political own fate on that fateful afternoon? Some may say time will tell. But this we know: it’s been thirty one days since the agreement was signed. What we do know for a fact is that the deal, if there was any, was no deal.
The cunning fox, Bob, boxed the MDCs into a corner. Many a political analysts and pundits will tell you tell you: “we told you so”. But did they really see it coming? I doubt. That is realpolitik, a game that the novice Tsvangirai is yet to learn.