President Robert Mugabe (c) holds hands with MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai (r) and Arthur Mutambara (l) at the signing of a MoU between the two parties in Harare. Monday 21 July, 2008.
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change leaders, Morgan Tsvangirai and Professor Arthur Mutambara have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will lay down a framework for formal talks to end the political and economic crisis.
A smaller MDC faction led by Professor Arthur Mutambara will also sign the MoU.
The MoU is calling for two weeks of negotiations on broad aspects of the Zimbabwe crisis, including the formation of a unity government and possibly how to hold the next elections.
President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, the official mediator arrived in Harare this morning for the signing ceremony and was greeted at HarareInternationalAirport by President Mugabe. He was mandated by the regional Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to negotiate a peaceful transition in Zimbabwe and was recently endorsed by the African Union at its annual summit.
A reference group was set up over the weekend to help President Mbeki in his mediation efforts after Tsvangirai demanded that such a group be formed. The group includes officials from the A.U. and U.N. who will be briefed at every stage of the negotiation process.
A red carpet was rolled at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare for the ceremony.
President Mbeki said the MoU was important because "It commits the negotiating parties to an intense programme of work to try and finalise the negotiations as quickly as possible," adding that "All the Zimbabwean parties recognise the urgency of the matters they are discussing and all are committed to trying to complete this process as quickly as possible."
The leader of the smaller faction of the MDC, Professor Arthur Mutambara said there needed to be political maturity for Zimbabwe to move forward, saying Zimbabwe needed “one vision”.
In addressing the conference Morgan Tsvangirai, who sat next to President Mbeki said he was committed to finding a peaceful solution to Zimbabwe’s problems and the success or failure of such a process should not be attributable to one individual.
Tsvangirai referred to President Mugabe as “President of the State” highlighting an easing of a previous position on the role of President Mugabe. Tsvangirai also sounded conciliatory and indicated that President Mbeki’s efforts to negotiate had paid off.
He said he was ready to engage as a Zimbabwean and would not be found wanting in that process.
President Mugabe highlighted all the successes which had been achieved by President Mbeki in the mediation process which started last year. He thanked President Mbeki for the role he has played and continues to play in the mediation efforts in Zimbabwe and highlighted his “positive insensitivity to criticism” and heralded the signing of the MoU as a “serious matter”.
“Signatures appended here reflect sincerity on all of us, at least on the part of my party,” said President Mugabe urging all Zimbabweans to “cut off influences on us from Europe and the United States.”
He continued: “We must act as Zimbabweans, think as Zimbabweans, be masters of our own destiny,” saying that there was “No need for us to call on Europe to sanction us.”
“We should negotiate as true, friendly, brotherly Zimbabweans. No Masters from Europe, from America and we should take no dictation from them.”
This was the first time in a decade that President Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai met face to face.
The three leaders all shook hands and thanked President Mbeki for his efforts.
ARTICLE ATTACHMENTS
READER OPINIONS
Reuben Nare Masoga • reubzz@webmail.co.za Subject: Mugabe to get off the high horse. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:01:40 • Mr Robert Mugabe announced in public that only God will remove him from power. People change, not because they want to but because they feel the heat. George Bush has signed an executive order to expand sanctions with Zimbabwe. No US firms will enter into any business agreement with Zimbabwe.
Mugabe and his cronies know that if he does not cooperate, he will face prosecution by international criminal court for the crimes he committed during his rule. Will Mugabe allow Tsvangirai to possess more power under Transitional government? Will Mugabe’s senior personnel in the army, intelligence services and police accept a defeat and resign? What is going to become of property rights?
As South Africans we are deeply touched and affected by the situation in Zimbabwe not because of our bilateral relations but ‘cause the people of Zimbabwe were there for us when we needed them most. The people of Zimbabwe have played an important historical role in support of the liberation struggle in South Africa against the system of apartheid. We hope and wish for the people of Zimbabwe to have a government that represent the wishes of the people.
Arthur Gwagwa • arthurgwagwa@yahoo.com Subject: The tide is turning! Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:38:56 • I hail the decision by President Mugabe and MDC president , Morgan Tsvangirai, in making this bold step and painful concession for our common good.
Every sensible Zimbabwean must throw their weight behind this African way of resolving conflicts.
Unfortunately a few hard core Rhodes and their EU backers are angered by this gesture. They want to sanction and control everything because they think Africans do not have the emotional intelligence to solve their own problems without blood and their intervention.
I hope in the next two weeks both the MDC and ZANU PF will demonstrate that we have come of age to resolve our own differences and shape our own destiny.
In unity, we will conquer!
N/A • N/A Subject: WARUZA Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:41:00 • I address this to N/A of the joke of the century fame. If this were a vote, you and allesandro, have lost the vote those who support dialogue, those who want our leaders to come together have 89% positive contribution on this particular posting. Those who want evil for GREAT ZIMBABWE should therefore know that they will loose it. TIRIPO AND TAKAWANDA WE WILL MAKE SURE OUR LEADERS GO THE RIGHT DIRECTION.ZIM INTERESTS FIRST AND FORE MOST. THIS IS GREAT ZIMBABWE.
n/a • n/a Subject: n/a Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:48:52 • This really is a proud moment for Black people everywhere who are paying attention. I'm sure no one thinks that troubles are over, or that the West is going to let Zimbabwe succeed if they can stop it.
Still, this is a moment to savor.
I'm damn proud of all those brothers.
God bless
Reuben Masoga • reubzz@webmail.co.za Subject: Signing a Memorudum of Understanding Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:35:30 • We are really proud as Africans to witness the ceremony where the 2 gaints of Zimbabwean Political parties finally put aside their pride and differences to prepare for negotiations, for it is only through communications and dialogues that even the impossible can be made possible. Congradulations, this is the right first step into the right directions
n/a • n/a Subject: joke of the century Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:42:47 • Good people of Zimbabwe; this is a joke of the century , not only that, but also a real mockery on the people of Zim, what talks and unity with Zanu pf; kutotiita tumapenzi twevanhu haikona; Bob is a thief , does that come as new ????God forbid.
Patrick Fletcher • hajray@gmail.com Subject: President Mugabe and opposition sign talks deal Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:18:37 • I know the west is not too happy right now to see Africans taking peaceful steps to solve our problems, they preferred that we kill each other and act like savages. I wonder what the west next move will be?
Changamire Dombo • ChangamireDombo@rocketmail.com Subject: No Clarity on Crisis Talks? Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:10:11 • At around this hour last Sunday (13/07/08) I had this unusual feeling that Mbeki would at last deliver and barely a week later he has.
Now that Cde Thabo has made these 3men come together may The Lord grant them the wisdom, patience, tolerance and diligence to deliberate in earnest and productively.
May they be guided by the spirits of all those who died in efforts to secure our legacy, our land and heritage from across all political persuasions, affiliations and divides.
People who have lost limbs and personal possessions should now forgive those who during moments of political madness robbed them of their tissues and belongings to secure ever-lasting peace. Your prayers will go a long way to pave the way for a new dispensation and The Lord will never forget you.
A new Zimbabwe is beckoning on the horizon, let's embrace her without fear and doubts as to where we are heading with her now. Mama Zimbabwe is back to her abantwana.
Vari muDiaspora, monyorawo zvine hunhu muchikurudzira nzombe dzichakakavadzana kuti dzidzore mwoyo. Basa ravatarisana naro ihombe, handi rekutamba naroba, kupingudza mombe kumene.
Ini amaihwe ndofara ini!
Makorokoto, Amhlope, Tinobonga, Siyabonga!
Kare kangu ndaishereketa, chisarai zvakanaka.
KTM Mzansi • chepfungwa@yahoo.co.uk Subject: What does this mean? Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:39:25 • As we enter in the phase of dialogue, it means a fellow Zimbo is your brother/ sister. We never stop praying. Our victory is awaiting but we need to claim it. Not just claim it, but denounce spirits of violence, strife, misfortune, etc. Claim that harvest now. Its ebenezer. New constitution, no more sanctions, new government and who knows, REGERATED PEOPLE
Nova, Edinburgh • na. Subject: lets do our bit now Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:29:47 • Now that our leaders have agreed at long last to sit down and talk things out, can we please now do our part for successful and peaceful negotiations and stop taking pot-shots at one another and stop with the sarcasim and spiteful comments.
it is immature and does not help one another at all.
the sooner we forgive and forget about being ugly to one another about their political affiliations, the better.
our healing shoud start HERE AND NOW - today 21.7.2008.
Light those candles, burn your incense, do what you have to but pray for peace in our beloved country so that we can look forward to the best Christmas in years! Peace be upon you all.
Abel • abel.mudi@yahoo.com Subject: John D'Alessandro Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:13:00 • People like John D'Alessandro should go to hell. I am sure he is not even Zimbabwean. He should mind his own business. It people like him who make Bob mad and we suffer for it. Please John D'Alessandro go hang a thousand times.
Tee • ngomandiyo@hotmail.com Subject: n/a Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:24:44 • Lets agree to talks and hopefully make our people happy and our economy functioning. The west will always be trying to subvert the process and will not recognize the agreements which will likely keep Mugabe in power. But it will not matter as long as Zimbabweans through their leaders have decided on the way forward ,the west will have no choice but to follow.If they dont we will proceed without them.Since an agreement will create conditions for business that are favorable, countries will invest in Zimbabwe and the west will find itself lagging behind, so much that they will be forced to accept the will of Zimbabwe.
Zvinaiye Mutandiro • zvinaiye@gmail.com Subject: n/a Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:12:21 • John D'Alessandro you are no friend of Zimbabwe. Take your cynicism where the sun don't shine!
Zvinoitachete! • mhariwamusi@yahoo.com Subject: Congratulations!!!!!!!! Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:50:06 • Makorokoto! amhlope! Tinotenda. Hauchionaka, ndizvo zvinoitwa izvi. This is the way to go. Kubatana maoko here chokwadi. Now, do not let anyone and anybody come between you, using one against the other. As Zimbabweans we are encouraged and hopeful that the talks are going to yield positive results. There is no need for outside interference, Zimbabweans are fully capable of solving their own problems. There has been so much suffering. Now we wait to see what the EU will do tomorrow. Will they go ahead and impose more sanctions inspite of the clear intent to negotiate that has been shown by ALL Zimbabweans. The motive and agenda of any Power or anybody that does not give the parties the benefit of the doubt and the one chance needed to heal Zimbabwe, is to be seriously questioned.
Zvinoitachete! • mhariwamusi@yahoo.com Subject: Congratulations!!!!!!!! Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:49:38 • Makorokoto! amhlope! Tinotenda. Hauchionaka, ndizvo zvinoitwa izvi. This is the way to go. Kubatana maoko here chokwadi. Now, do not let anyone and anybody come between you, using one against the other. As Zimbabweans we are encouraged and hopeful that the talks are going to yield positive results. There is no need for outside interference, Zimbabweans are fully capable of solving their own problems. There has been so much suffering. Now we wait to see what the EU will do tomorrow. Will they go ahead and impose more sanctions inspite of the clear intent to negotiate that has been shown by ALL Zimbabweans. The motive and agenda of any Power or anybody that does not give the parties the benefit of the doubt and the one chance needed to heal Zimbabwe, is to be seriously questioned.
Zvinoitachete! • mhariwamusi@yahoo.com Subject: Congratulations!!!!!!!! Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:49:09 • Makorokoto! amhlope! Tinotenda. Hauchionaka, ndizvo zvinoitwa izvi. This is the way to go. Kubatana maoko here chokwadi. Now, do not let anyone and anybody come between you, using one against the other. As Zimbabweans we are encouraged and hopeful that the talks are going to yield positive results. There is no need for outside interference, Zimbabweans are fully capable of solving their own problems. There has been so much suffering. Now we wait to see what the EU will do tomorrow. Will they go ahead and impose more sanctions inspite of the clear intent to negotiate that has been shown by ALL Zimbabweans. The motive and agenda of any Power or anybody that does not give the parties the benefit of the doubt and the one chance needed to heal Zimbabwe, is to be seriously questioned.
KTM Mzansi • chepfungwa@yahoo.co.uk Subject: Halala Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:39:45 • Our time has come, its a time of harves, a time of success. We have realised our dreams, and all of us are prepared to take our place in a better Zimbabwe. The Levites of Zimbabwe wll never tire praying. Its ebenezer, he has brought us this far. Sithi Lamhlanje ses'khululiwe. Let's a song with praise and dance for he is a good God. Halala. We are overr the moon.
Changamire Dombo • ChangamireDombo@rocketmail.com Subject: I Said It. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:11:19 • Anyone who recalls will remember that I pointed out clearly that THEY WILL TALK!
Step Number 1 has come and passed, now we must bend down on our knees and pray to God and Our Ancestors that what these 3 (at last, allow a little indulgence here!) , ooh yeah, 3Wise Leaders have initiated by way of their signatures be the beginning of a New Dawn, the arrival of peace, stability and prosperity in Zimbabwe.
Nhamo usanditevere.
From the embers of this ceremony may the bonfire of Zim-Success and bonanza be born.
Aluta continua.
Supertee • n/a Subject: Talks Deal Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:09:57 • Magnamious in victory!!! This is how it's done the Zimbabwean way. I am hoping that all the parties will come to the negotiations without monkeys behind their backs.
To Tsvangirai, I say it's high time you make a stand against sanctions and you will be distinguished as a statesman in the making. It was encouraging to see and hear you making conciliatory statements towards presidents Mbeki and R. G. Mugabe. That's the desirable African side that has been missing in you.
Please work more on that and develop a solid sense of 'positive insensitivitiness' to criticism as espoused by president Mugabe because believe you me you will need it when the western forces and weapons of mass deception turn against you for dining and wining with Mugabe.
To the father of the great nation of Zimbabwe, President Mugabe, I say true to form and character you are magnamious in victory as you promised, cool as a cucumber, you are extremely good at articulating and contextualising the Zimbabwean cause. Keep up the good work and help heal the nation.
Hopefully sooner rather than later you will be able to take time off politics knowing and rest assured that those in control of the country would not succumb to external forces bend on reversing the gains of independence. You have given Africa a new sense of hope and belief in total independence and most importantly demonstrated that it is achievable through high priced sacrifices.
To president Mbeki, I say: this is facilitation par excellence. Your diplomatic tact will resonate the world over and has already shaken some big world powers who are now after tarnishing your well intented efforts. You stood firm and rejected the notion that Africans cannot solve their problems and rightly pointed out that Zimbabwe's problems had all the hallmarks of an outside force fighting to control the country's resources.
Your success so far has demonstrated that your african renaissance project can be achieved but requires tact and men of sterner stuff as such a renaissance is a threat to western interests. Your excellence this is a good piece of facilitation and I urge you not to tire at this critical stage.
To patriotic and progressive Zimbabweans I say this is the Real Fair Deal not the other fake fair deal which compiles names of Zanu PF siblings based in diaspora for deportation. I call upon you fellow Zimbabweans to support this worth cause. Each one of us has a duty to ensure the success of this project through constructive engagement and the ditching of hostilities and vilifications towards each other.
Lets exercise deep political tolerance and take the great nation of Zimbabwe to where it belongs; a stable, successful Zimbabwe that is politically and economically 100 % independent. Lets show the rest of Africa that our goal of total independence is attainable as we have already demonstrated by being the first African country to claim our valued land back in its true sense. Let others go green with envy as we prosper in indeginisation.
Long live beloved Zimbabwe.
Pat • N/A Subject: TALKS Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:34:33 • Thank GOD,you all have shown that you are three people who have one agenda, and that is to build Zimbabwe.Keep it up.Hope people like Bennet will not try to put their noise where they don't belong.All we want is peace in our beautifull Zimbabwe.Thats good MAITASEVARUME.
John D'Alessandro • johndalessandro@semipolitico.com Subject: Full Democracy: the Only Right Course in Zimbabwe Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:31:05 • I am a friend of Zimbabwe, and I hope the people are finally heard. I don't know about all these talks about talks. My argument is that the people of Zimbabwe should be heard, not be the victims of a lousy compromise. I wrote a blog today that talks what i think should be done. You can read the full story at Semipolitico.com
So, what could these two men possibly be talking about? Even with the numbers from the first election being close, it is clear that Morgan Tsvangirai is the leader in the hearts and minds of the vast majority of Zimbabweans. How can this be with only 4.7% margin of victory? Think about it; Zimbabwe is a fear society. Mugabe controls the nation by, as we have just seen, using force when things don’t go his way. In light of this, it takes a brave man to run against him in an election, but it takes a braver man to vote against him. Mugabe has been the president of the country since 1987. Twenty years. If you want more compelling evidence that Mugabe uses force to rule, compare... Semipolitico.com
SUBMITYOUROPINION
Please make sure you fill in all sections for your post to be submitted. Use n/a if not submitting details. The submission code below is case-sensitive. Also make sure you get confirmation that your comment has been submitted.
