Robert Mugabe yesterday agreed to surrender day-to-day control of the government and much of his power in a historic deal with his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, to end Zimbabwe's long political crisis. But the agreement fell short of Tsvangirai's demand for Mugabe, Zimbabwe's leader since independence 28 years ago, to become solely a ceremonial president after losing the last credible election six months ago.
The deal is also expected to result in a de facto amnesty for the military and Zanu-PF party leaders responsible for the bloody campaign against opposition supporters and activists over recent months. Their attempt to overturn Tsvangirai's election victory in March left hundreds dead and thousands badly injured.
Precise details of how power will be divided under the agreement, which has been mediated by South Africa's president, Thabo Mbeki, will be formally released at a signing ceremony on Monday.
But according to opposition sources, Tsvangirai will become prime minister at the head of a council of ministers, the principal organ of government, which will be drawn from his Movement for Democratic Change and the president's Zanu-PF party. Mugabe will remain president and continue to chair a cabinet that opposition sources say will be a largely consultative body. The real power will lie with Tsvangirai.
Mbeki, who has staked his dwindling political reputation on brokering a deal, heralded the agreement. "I am absolutely certain that the leadership of Zimbabwe is committed to implementing these agreements," he said.
British reaction was muted last night, with the government waiting to see the detail of the deal. "We are following the situation closely," said a Foreign Office spokesman. "We look forward to seeing the detail of the agreement announced by President Mbeki this evening. Our overriding concern is the welfare of the Zimbabwean people."
If the agreement results in a real shift in power, it is likely to unlock the hundreds of millions of pounds in foreign aid desperately needed to shore up Zimbabwe's economy, which is collapsing under the weight of hyperinflation, a key factor in Mugabe conceding authority.