Zimbabwe: Allies agree to disagree

  1. Posted on Monday 29 September 2008 - 11:49
    Mugadza
    Munyaradzi Mugadza, AfricaNews reporter in Harare, Zimbabwe
    The power sharing deal signed between Zanu PF and two formations of the MDC was a compromised deal, Zimbabwe's labour movement, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) and the Movement for Democratic Change have agreed.
    opposition_MDC_rally_zimbabwe2
    Speaking to reporters on Monday, ZCTU president Lovemore Matombo said after discussions with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai on 27 September at a local hotel, it was agreed that the deal was a flawed process. “After a briefing with Mr. Tsvangirai, it was agreed there were some differences and some issues would be subject to further discussion,” said Matombo.

    Matombo said Tsvangirai made it clear that “this was not the best he hoped for, but a compromise agreement.” He said the ZCTU general council maintained their earlier position that the agreement is an outcome of a flawed process adding that it gives rise to the formation of national impunity which does not recognize sacrifices made by the Zimbabweans in fight for democracy.

    The labour body bemoaned that the agreement removes the concept of tripartism which recognized government, labour and business as a way of moving the country forward.

    “The deal removes tripartism, relegating everything to the so-called National Economic Council and also making political parties major players of the council,” said Matombo

    Matombo said new leaders with new ideas should be given political authority. He said President Mugabe had failed in the past 28 years he has been in power adding that because of that, Zimbabwe was now a failed state.

    ZCTU has since the aftermath of the March 29 harmonized elections advocating for a political solution that recognize the will of the people to the extent that they advised the MDC to pull out of the June 27 presidential election because of the violence against MDC supporters.

    ZCTU secretary general Wellington Chibebe said at the same briefing, the worst mistake by the MDC leader is that he is being surrounded by losers who lost in the previous elections. “Tsvangirai is being surrounded by losers and it’s difficult to negotiate a convincing agreement when you are the only winner,” said.

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