A few months ago, we wrote about the controversial presidential elections in Zimbabwe that left many up in arms after Robert Mugabe claimed power despite lingering unresolved questions about the election results. After a month and a half of negotiations between Mugabe’s government and the opposition, yesterday the two sides signed on to a power-sharing deal.

The agreement, which Tsvangirai calls the best hope for Zimbabwe, could be Zimbabwe’s first step towards peace and an opportunity to recover from the political and economic crises that have gripped the country for the past few months.

Excerpts below, full article here

The full details and content of the deal have not been confirmed but it proposes a 50-50 division of power, with Mr Mugabe remaining head of state and head of the cabinet.
Morgan Tsvangirai will head a council of ministers, which will be responsible for the day-to-day managing of the country’s affairs.

[Mugabe] said there were “lots of things” in the deal that neither leader liked but that they would work together to “find our way”.

“As long as salient principles are recognised, there will be room for more agreement,” Mr Mugabe said.

In his speech, Mr Tsvangirai said the agreement was a “product of painful compromises” and that it did not provide “an instant cure” to the fortunes of Zimbabwe. “I’ve signed this agreement because I believe it represents the best opportunity for us to build a peaceful and prosperous democratic Zimbabwe,” he said.

-Chris Scott