The latest development on talks between the opposition party -- the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) -- and ZANU-PF President Robert Mugabe is that they have produced a 50-page document as a way forward in power-sharing and the installation of a transitional government. The duration of the transitional government is still being debated -- the opposition wants two years and ZANU-PF wants five. The plan is to eventually dissolve the transitional government and hold fresh elections to appoint a new government. The document is yet to be finalised by the parties. The full text is not yet available to the public -- the information I am giving is from several newspapers. Some of the key issues contained in the document are as follows:
| Robert Mugabe, president ZANU-PF | President | Ceremonial president without executive power; amnesty offered on condition that he will undertake not to "seek to influence day-to-day governmental decisions, nor will he publicly criticise, expressly or by implication, decisions made by the government." |
| Morgan Twangirayi, president MDC | Prime minister | Has executive power; rules transitional government for x years (still being debated); appoints two vice prime-ministers, one from his party and one from ZANU-PF. |
| Ministry of Defense | ZANU-PF | ZANU-PF has control of army. |
| Police and prisons | MDC | Has control of police. |
| Ministry of Finance | Independent expert (not from ZANU-PF or MDC) | Challenge to find impartial visionary experts committed to the welfare of all Zimbabweans, especially the poorest of the poor (item for prayer -- please pray). |
A blanket amnesty is being offered to everyone who "in the course of upholding or opposing the aims and policies of the government of Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF or either formation of the MDC, may have committed crimes within Zimbabwe." A tough call!
The document has not been officially endorsed by both parties, but it seems likely that they will with a few changes.
Given the history of Zimbabwe, there is reason for caution. However, this is a small step forward and we need to pray that truth and justice will prevail for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. Please continue to pray, and thank you for your prayers.
Nontando Hadebe, a former Sojourners intern, is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.
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