Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe political rivals sign landmark power-sharing deal

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and opposition leaders have signed a landmark power-sharing deal in an attempt to end months of political turmoil and a deep economic crisis.

After signing the agreement Monday, Mr. Mugabe and his longtime rival, Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai, shook hands in the capital, Harare.

Under the deal, Mr. Mugabe will remain president and Mr. Tsvangirai will be prime minister.

Arthur Mutambara, the leader of a smaller opposition group, will be the deputy prime minister.

Mr. Mugabe has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, but now he will have to share power with his political rivals after years of cracking down on the opposition.

South African President Thabo Mbeki brokered the agreement between President Mugabe and Mr. Tsvangirai to end political turmoil that followed disputed presidential elections.

Local media reported Sunday the three sides had been discussing a 31-member power-sharing Cabinet -- 16 from the opposition and 15 from Mr. Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party.

Under the deal, Mr. Mugabe continues to chair the Cabinet, while Mr. Tsvangirai leads the newly created council of ministers.

The MDC gained control of parliament in March elections, and Mr. Tsvangirai won more votes than Mr. Mugabe in the presidential poll.

But official results showed Mr. Tsvangirai falling short of a majority, and he boycotted a run-off presidential election because of state-sponsored attacks on his supporters.

Mr. Mugabe won the uncontested run-off, extending his nearly 30-year rule.

Zimbabwe is suffering from a deep economic crisis, with food and fuel shortages that have helped drive up inflation to an estimated 11 million percent.

(Published by Voice of America - September 15, 2008)