Arcadia Foundation

South African President Jacob Zuma stated that his recent talks with Zimbabwe’s feuding leaders were ‘fruitful‘, but gave little sign of a breakthrough in resolving issues straining the unity government.

“I am very encouraged by the spirit of cooperation displayed by the leaders and all the parties,” Zuma said after nearly three hours of round-table talks with Zimbabwe’s long-ruling President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara.

But Zuma gave no indication of any breakthrough in easing tensions within the year-old unity government, saying only that the parties agreed to ‘keep working toward‘ goals set out months ago.

Negotiating teams will continue meeting next week, and deliver a report by the end of March, which Zuma said he would pass on to the security organ of 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The world has watched as the power-sharing pact has curbed the deadly political violence that erupted around disputed 2008 presidential elections, while the MDC can be immediately accredited with halting Zimbabwe’s decade-long economic collapse by dropping its national currency.

However, her leaders remain sharply divided on a slate of key appointments, western sanctions on Mugabe’s inner circle, and the treason trial of a top Tsvangirai ally. These are key disputes which without effective resolution, perhaps even done autonomously as opposed through a controversial mediation, will prolong sanctions.

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