Zimbabwe Opposition Agrees to Unity Government
By VOA News
30 January 2009
Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change has agreed to join a unity government with long-time President Robert Mugabe next month, amid a spiraling economic and humanitarian crisis.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai made the announcement in Harare Friday after a meeting of party leaders.
The decision comes more than four months after a power-sharing deal was agreed to, but never implemented.
It finally paves the way for Tsvangirai to become prime minister, despite lingering concerns over how cabinet seats will be allocated.
The political developments come as Zimbabwe is now allowing its citizens to use foreign currencies, including the U.S dollar, British pound and euro, to try to fight soaring inflation, last measured at 231 million percent. The United Nations estimates nearly seven million people will need food aid to survive until April, and that unemployment stands at 94 percent.
Regional mediator South Africa has tried to push through the power-sharing deal. The Movement for Democratic Change is also demanding the release of arrested opposition activists.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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