Zimbabwe’s new Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai speaking at his inauguration Wednesday says the power sharing agreement that saw him entering into a government of national unity with long time political rival Robert Mugabe is not the best but through commitment can be a feasible one.
Addressing thousands of people, who thronged Glamis stadium in the capital Harare, the 56-year-old former trade unionist and leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party said the transitional authority if implemented with "good faith” can bring a new economic and political dispensation to Zimbabwe.
“…There can be no turning back on the political agreement which each party has signed, knowing it is not a perfect agreement but still a workable one. An agreement that if implemented with good faith, will deliver a peaceful way towards a stable economy, a new constitution and free and fair elections,” said Tsvangirai.
Tsvangirai, who described the journey that culminated in the formation of the transitional government as “difficult”, said the unity government is important but just the beginning in achieving a new democratic dispensation.
“Though today’s ceremony marks a very significant milestone on our democratic journey, it is only the beginning,” he said.
In words that signify a good gesture to the other two parties, Zanu PF and MDC-Mutambara in committing to the unity government Tsvangirai said with the creation of the intermediary government...”President Mugabe, Professor Mutambara and I have pledged, in the sight of God, to deliver” to Zimbabwe “a new political dispensation” that is tolerant to political diversity.
Zimbabwe turned into a “war zone” between political opponents in last year’s election with serious consequences including the loss of lives and property. Tsvangirai came close to winning the March 29 presidential race but fell short of the 51 percent majority vote to be declared winner. He however pulled out of the June 27 second round election, citing violence against his supporters.
“For too long, Zimbabwe has endured violent political polarization.
“For too long, our people’s hopes for a bright future have been betrayed. Instead of hope, their days have been filled with starvation, disease and fear. A culture of entitlement and impunity has brought our nation to the brink of a dark abyss.
“This must end today,” he said.
Tsvangirai also promised that in his new capacity as Prime Minister, he will work tirelessly to create a Zimbabwe where values are “stronger than the threat of violence”, where the “children’s future and happiness” is more highly regarded than “present political goals” and freedom of expression, jobs and food are readily available and human rights respected.
He also promised to urgently tackle the cholera epidemic, which has wiped over 3,000 lives since its outbreak last August.
The Prime Minister said help from the international community would be welcome but that there is need to “reestablishing a relationship that is not based on humanitarian assistance alone.”
The formation of the inclusive government is expected to be concluded Friday with the swearing in of cabinet ministers. MDC Tsvangirai will run the important ministries of Finance and Health; co-share Home Affairs with Zanu PF; Energy and Power Development among others.
Former white commercial farmer Roy Bennett has been tipped to deputise the Agriculture ministry, a move many believe would test the tolerance of Zanu PF, particularly after Mugabe’s government embarked on a controversial land reform programme that saw many white farmers evicted from their farms from the year 2000.
