Pressure mounts on Mugabe to fully implement GPA

By Tichaona Sibanda
18 February 2010

Seventeen months after the signing of the GPA between ZANU PF and the MDC formations, Zimbabweans and the international community in general have accused Mugabe and his party of not demonstrating their commitment to reform and democratic freedoms.

Analyst Clifford Mashiri told us there are lots of things that can and should be done, that would reflect a genuine change in spirit and attitude towards the implementation of the GPA.

Commenting on the fact that Mugabe finally appointed the MDC ambassadors this week, Mashiri said; ‘The appointment of ambassadors was a public relations stunt to try and sanitise his (Mugabe’s) image that has been badly shattered by the extension of targeted sanctions by the EU because they said they haven’t seen any changes on the ground. Even then the appointment of ambassadors is not enough, it’s an element of implementation but it’s a matter of too little too late.’

He added; ‘We want to see Gideon Gono and Johannes Tomana removed; that would be the beginning of the implementation process and not all these other less insignificant issues.’

A source told us it was only a matter of time before the three independent commissions were appointed. Both Justice Simpson Mutambanengwe and Professor Reg Austin have agreed to chair the electoral and human rights commissions.

‘So Tsvangirai and Mutambara have told Mugabe to move with speed and appoint them so they can start the necessary reforms,’ our source said.

The independent commissions, including the media commission, are part of the reforms proposed under the GPA signed in 2008, which paved the way for the formation of a coalition government in February last year. However, a number of issues remain where no agreement has been reached.

The three parties held talks on Tuesday and Wednesday this week but as usual there were no indications that any progress was made. The talks have been adjourned to next week to allow Finance minister Tendai Biti to travel to Washington for an International Monetary Fund meeting.