Political impasse prolongs the suffering in Zimbabwe

A month has passed since a power-sharing deal was announced in the economically ravaged central African nation of Zimbabwe, but President Robert Mugabe, whose legitimacy in office is open to question, and main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai aren’t any closer to agreeing on how the new government would operate.

Mugabe, who has led the country for more than 20 years and has been responsible for the deaths of untold numbers of critics and political opponents, is once again proving what most objective observers have long contended: He will never give up the reins of power voluntarily.

As we warned last month, “Permitting him to regain the position of president — Tsvangirai would hold the position of prime minister — and to control the military would have the effect of legitimizing his re-election.

“While we understand the need for political reconciliation, any proposal that would include Mugabe is doomed to failure.”

And failure is what was evident this week when the opposition leader walked out after hours of talks in nation’s capital, Harara. One of the points of contention is the distribution of the 31 cabinet positions. Last month, both sides agreed that Mugabe’s party would have 15, Tsvangirai, 13 and a minor opposition faction three.

Civil unrest

The political upheaval is not only fanning the flames of civil unrest that has caused thousands of Zimbabweans to flee to neighboring South Africa, but is undermining any chance of reviving the nation’s economy.

Under British rule, the country then called Rhodesia was the breadbasket of Africa. Its farms were among the most productive in the continent.

Since independence and under Mugabe’s dictatorial rule, the economy has collapsed. Inflation can no longer be calculated, there are no jobs and starvation is rampant. Death from hunger or disease, especially among the young and the old, is commonplace.

The situation is desperate and cries out for direct intervention by the United Nations. It’s not enough for the president of South Africa to mediate.

There is a humanitarian crisis that demands international attention.

While it is true that Zimbabwe isn’t in the national interest of the United States and other western democracies, the victimization of the innocent in many part of Africa demands the West’s attention.

Without the intervention of the U.N., the future of the country is worse than bleak. A major infusion of money is necessary, but that won’t happen so long as the political situation remains in a state of flux.

Mugabe’s recent re-election in a tainted election will never be accepted by his political enemies and by countries around the world.

He must be persuaded to step down.