Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai rejoins troubled unity government – with conditions

"I don't see much being achieved during the given time frame given that the two parties are poles apart," says University of Zimbabwe political scientist Simon Badza. Mr. Badza says that Zanu PF would agree to resolve only "a few" of the issues that do not obstruct the party's strategic political interests. This, he says, would be done to hoodwink the guarantors of the political agreement – SADC and the Africa Union – into believing that there was movement toward resolution of the crisis.

"No key issues would be resolved. Only issues of little significance … issues that do not tamper with Zanu PF's strategic interests would be solved," says Badza. "ZaANU PF hardliners would not agree to anything that would compromise their socioeconomic and political interests."

Tsvangirai's spokesman, James Maridadi, said the MDC was optimistic that Mugabe would have addressed the outstanding issues within the 30 days.

"We are very hopeful," said Mr. Maridadi, adding that South African President Jacob Zuma would soon visit Zimbabwe to assess progress toward full compliance with the GPA. "In the event that Mugabe does not comply with GPA and Zuma's mediation fails, it would mean the collapse of the government."

Among the outstanding issues are the appointment of provincial governors and Mugabe's unilateral reappointment of Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana. Mugabe has replied that the appointments were done constitutionally.

The MDC has also claimed that its MPs and activists have been targeted for government persecution.

Tsvangirai disengaged with ZANU PF in the unity government following the renewed detention of the party's treasurer Roy Bennett on terrorism charges, which the MDC said are trumped up.

Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara joined for talks in Maputo, Mozambique, together with the leaders of Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zambia.

Also attending were South African President Zuma, Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, and current SADC chairman Joseph Kabila, as well as former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who facilitated the agreement that brought about the inclusive government.

• Our reporter in Harare could not be named due to security concerns.

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