Zimbabwe to re-engage the west

Sherri Siegele

Opposition leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Mugabe executed a government power-sharing deal in February, 2009. In two months time they appear to be making their first collective effort by implementing a renewal plan to restore relations with the west and create and implement a new constitution. For decades, Mugabe closed the doors to the West. With its country and economy in complete ruin, the IMF stopped assistance a decade ago and direct investment into the country was stopped as well. No country, MNC, or IGO is willing to give assistance or lift sanctions until Zimbabwe’s government proves their power-sharing abilities through desire for human, law, and economic improvement. With the new plan, international media will be let back into the country and five goals have been set; “restoring human rights, addressing security concerns, stabilising the economy, building infrastructure and re-engaging the international community.” The article implies that Mugabe is at the helm of change but since his inception it’s been Tsvangirai leading the way. It’s a first step but given their history I’m not convinced that Mugabe and Tsvangirai are truly sharing power.