Today (11 August) marks Heroes’ Day in Zimbabwe. A day where the whole country holds in memory for those who died in the country’s liberation war. One has to ask if this is what they fought for? A country crippled by a political crisis, a country with the worlds highest inflation, a country with very little food and power. I certainly do not think this is what the heroe’s had envisioned for the future of the country when they gained Independence. But all may not be doom and gloom as there seems to be a potential agreement between the political parties in Zimbabwe on the horizon.
This weekend, South Africa’s President, Thabo Mbeki, has been in Harare in his capacity of mediator in the Zimbabwe political crisis. Talks have been carried out between Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe. It is not 100% clear as to what is being agreed between the parties but many hope that an agreement which would better the livelihood of millions of Zimbabwean citizens will be reached.
Talks took place for the whole day yesterday (Sunday) but nothing has been agreed yet and the talks are set to resume again today (Monday). “We’re not through yet, but we’ve taken a break,” Mugabe said as he left the talks yesterday. Whilst Morgan Tsvangirai could only say, Mbeki would “give a press statement on the issue” and refused further comment.
Many analysts are saying that Mugabe is going to become a ceremonial President whilst Morgan Tsvangirai would become the executive Prime minister. This is a potential solution for Zimbabwe which would most likely see Tsvangirai being ‘in charge’ of the country. It would remain to be seen who would be in charge of the army and the police as these are two critical elements in any government. Hopefully all this can be resolved amicably and soon and Zimbabwe can return to its former glory. The glory that the Heroes’ would love to see.