Mugabe seeks to reassure anxious loyalists

Some progress has been reported in efforts to move Zimbabwe’s stalled reforms forward, but on the eve of his party’s congress, President Robert Mugabe was more likely to step up the rhetoric than to concede ground to his opponents.

Lindiwe Zulu, President Jacob Zuma’s foreign policy adviser and part of the Zimbabwe mediation team, said they had met Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai. The negotiating parties have written a report, but no announcement is likely before Zuma hands the report to Mozambican leader Armando Guebuza, head of the South African Development Community’s security troika.

Despite pressure to resolve outstanding issues, Mugabe’s focus was on consolidating his grip on Zanu-PF in the party’s first congress since the coalition government with Morgan Tsvangirai was formed.

Insiders say Mugabe wants to convince anxious loyalists that he remains in charge despite having to share power.

Full implementation of the agreement would bring sweeping reforms to the security forces, a key pillar of Mugabe’s power, end Zanu-PF’s control over state media and halt the farm seizures the party uses to reward loyalists.