Tsvangirai, Mugabe row over posts

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said last Thursday his MDC party will not recognise several senior appointments unilaterally made by President Robert Mugabe. Tsvangirai clearly spoke out against Zanu’s unwillingness to reform, using fierce rhetoric: ‘Neither I, nor the MDC, can stand back any longer and just allow Mr. Mugabe and Zanu PF to defy the law, to flaunt the constitution and to act as if they own this country.’

There was no immediate reaction from Mugabe or ZANU PF, but they have previously stated they will not abide by all requirements in the GPA until Western ‘sanctions’ against them have been lifted. Statements this week from German Ambassador Conze show this is unlikely to happen, as he argued the continuing violence makes it difficult for the EU to reconsider any lifting or easing of ‘sanctions.’

Other news concerns the ongoing row at the Reserve Bank, where Deputy Board Chairman Charles Kuwaza seems to scare Zanu elites by calling for an investigation in all quasi-fiscal activities, as printed money was used to fund operations of police, army and intelligence service.

On the economic side Zimbabwean authorities showed confidence they can sell more diamonds in the near future, while social and economic justice organisation ZIMCODD called for an independent debt audit to be launched.