Zimbabwe talks end without a deal

Earlier this year, the South African government forced a power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe between Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai and ZANU-PF President Robert Mugabe but now recent talks have to an inconclusive end.

Zimbabwe is prone to disaster with quintillion per cent inflation rates, cholera breakouts, violence as an everyday occurrence and corrupt governments. Now the country’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has ended talks with his partner President Robert Mugabe because he feels they are “worlds apart” on many issues, according to the New Zimbabwe. Tsvangirai vehemently walked out in protest over the detainment of Roy Bennett, a senior MDC official who is held on terrorism charges, and Mugabe’s refusal to implement governmental agreements. Tsvangirai's spokesman James Maridadi told AFP, reports Times Live, “This is not a regular meeting. The meeting will discuss the issue of disengagement and the other outstanding issues related to the Global Political Agreement.” The four-hour meeting between Tsvangirai and Mugabe is the since October 16 when the MDC leader pulled out of the coalition government because it was at a political stalemate. MDC spokesperson, Nelson Chamisa, said, “The principals met. Sadly and tragically the stalemate continues. We are worlds apart on fundamental issues.” However, spokesperson for Pres. Mugabe, George Charamba told the press, according to BBC News, “This is a regular Monday meeting and they will discuss the issues of the GPA (Global Political Agreement).” Now the MDC is trying to broker a meeting with the Southern Africa Development Community to try and end the stalemate. Officials within the MDC, which has been the opposition party to the ZANU-PF for several years, are calling for a new election if talks fail, with it being monitored closely by the international community and the South African government. A raid at an MDC office is a further attempt to show intimidation by the ZANU-PF. Under duress, the 85-year-old Mugabe agreed to a power-sharing agreement with his Presidential opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, after international disputes over the country’s election occurred. The next Zimbabwean Presidential election is expected to be held in 2014.