Anger at Zimbabwe ‘unity’ talks

Negotiations aimed at ending Zimbabwe’s political crisis were stalled as Socialist Worker went to press.

Talks between president Robert Mugabe’s Zanu‑PF party and opposition groups began last week.

They quickly became deadlocked as Zanu‑PF failed to offer serious concessions to Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

But even the “best case” scenario of a government of national unity would offer little for ordinary people in Zimbabwe. There is wide-spread scepticism at the talks.

MDC supporter Matthews Shoko told Irin news that entering talks was “a major betrayal by Tsvangirai. Many people have died, been raped, tortured, and had their homes set on fire for supporting him. He needed to consult widely with us before hopping into bed with Mugabe”.

Meanwhile the repression continues. Trade union leaders Lovemore Matombo and Wellington Chibebe were due to appear in court again on Wednesday of this week.