Power-sharing deal for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's ruling party agreed a power-sharing deal with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC yesterday to end the post-election crisis, both sides said.

South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has mediated the talks, said the ruling Zanu-PF and opposition had agreed on all issues, and will announce a national unity government on Monday.

"I am absolutely certain that the leadership of Zimbabwe is committed to implementing these agreements... this is an outcome that comes out of decisions arrived at by the leadership of Zimbabwe," Mr Mbeki said.

Mr Tsvangirai and Mr Mugabe have been bitter enemies for a decade. Mr Tsvangirai won an initial election in March but failed to secure an outright victory, boycotted the June election run-off vote over attacks on his supporters.

Mr Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, was declared the winner of an unopposed ballot which was condemned around the world.

Zimbabweans hope a deal can allow the revival of an economy in meltdown. Inflation is over 11 million per cent and severe food and fuel shortages have driven millions across the country's borders, straining regional economies.

"It's made in Zimbabwe, it's made by Zimbabweans, the rest of the world needs to respect that the people of Zimbabwe have taken a decision about their own country," Mr Mbeki said.

Mr Mbeki said a formal signing ceremony attended by regional leaders was expected in Harare on Monday.

What is likely to happen next?

• Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai are expected to form a new Cabinet, including opposition figures who have been arrested by Mr Mugabe's government several times since the MDC emerged nine years ago as the biggest threat to Zanu-PF's hold on power.

• South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has been the regional mediator in the talks, could invite regional leaders to witness either a symbolic signing ceremony or inauguration of Zimbabwe's new unity government.

• World powers, including the US and Britain, are likely to hold back immediate endorsement of the power-sharing deal until they see the details and how it will work in practice. If they determine a new government is democratic, Western countries are expected to consider major investment and aid packages.

• The 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) will call on the international community to support the Zimbabwe agreement and urge financial support to revive the country's crumbling economy.