Former Zimbabwe rivals set to share power

President Robert Mugabe and his main rival agreed to divide control of the police and army and strike a delicate balance in Zimbabwe’s Cabinet – but their power-sharing deal will be under enormous pressure from long-simmering differences and economic collapse.

Some members of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s party were already complaining that the compromise didn’t do enough to sideline Mr Mugabe.

But David Coltart, an opposition member of parliament, said the agreement gives Mr Mugabe “greatly reduced powers to those he enjoys today,” and that while Mr Tsvangirai did not have “absolute power he does have substantial power”.

Western nations poised to send in sorely needed aid and investment also are wary of the man accused of holding onto power through violence and fraud and ruining the economy of what had been southern Africa’s breadbasket.

The agreement is scheduled to be signed and made public on Monday.

Among several questions still to be answered after two months of closed-door talks was when the coalition government would start working.

Also unclear is the attitude of Mr Mugabe, who until hours before the accord was announced was declaring that he would never allow the opposition “to govern this country”.

Mr Mugabe, in power since 1980, has yet to comment publicly on the deal. Mr Tsvangirai announced it, but gave no details.