September 15th 2008. The day Robert Mugabe forged a working a relationship with his bitter opposition rival to restore order and mark the beginnings of prosperity to the dilapidated Country. The document signals the intent of both parties to satisfy their long term targets, for Morgan Tsvangirai to become President and for Mugabe to delay the inevitable for a while longer. Mugabe had little option but to agree to the power sharing deal that sees Tsvangirai installed as Prime Minister, a post created specifically for this deal.

After the signing of the agreement, Tsvangirai spoke of the need for a united Zimbabwe to enable a better future. 'Let us not be divided by the past but united in the hope for the future'. Tsvangirai was first to speak to the present dignitaries making no reference to Mugabe until the end of his speech. Mugabe on the other hand repeated his anti-British rhetoric.

An Outline of the Deal

Tsvangirai and the MDC will control the main financially active ministries such as Health, and Education whilst also gaining control of the Police; the very people who battered, killed and prevented justice back in march. Zanu-PF have control of the military, prisons and prosecuting authorities as it was feared within Zanu that losing control of that would lead to retribution through the courts for the slaughter of thousands. All foreign aid packages will be conducted through the MDC.

A great deal of pride swallowing had to be taken by both parties, for Mugabe in particular as for him there was no other possible option. With the ramshackle ZANU-PF administration under considerable pressure from African and Western governments to defer to Tsvangirai after the debacle that was the March Presidential election.

With inflation rates at a record 20, 000,000% (and rising daily), notes become worthless minutes after print, and growing dissatisfaction within ZANU-PF concerning who's heads were going to roll over the steep decline of a once proud and second richest country in Africa.

International criticism

The deal has prompted scepticism with the International observers waiting to see who will really wield the power and lead the country. Until it is clear that Tsvangirai is taking steps to lead the country out of the economic crisis much of the foreign aid will be on hold and they must expect to have eyes on the newly formed coalition.

It must also be remembered that Tsvanbgirai amended the terms of the MDC leadership as two terms was the maximum any person could remain as head. It was not long after Zanu-PF took control of Zimbabwe in 1980 that he himself changed the rules to suit lust for power.

The relationship between the opposition leader and the Zanu-PF head can be described as 'poisonous' and whether the two can work to improve Zimbabwe's disastrous fate remains to be seen. Question, will Mugabe be compliant in taking a backseat? Time will tell but for the people of Zimbabwe it's a time for hope...

Written by Josh McNab