Zimbabwe Victorious?

South African president Thabo Mbeki announced on Thursday of last week that an agreement had been reached on a power sharing arrangement between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Whether this means an end to violence and a return to normalcy in crisis torn Zimbabwe remains to be seen. Much needed foreign investment in the country will depend on it. Fighting in the streets of Harare erupted between the two main factions, Mugabe's Zanu-PF and Tsvangirai's MDC, after the signing ceremony held in a downtown hotel this morning. Riot police broke up the melee after thirty minutes, but MDC supporters remained singing and marching in the streets of the capital. Most observers believe that Tsvangirai will become Prime Minister and chair a council of ministers responsible for daily government operations while Mugabe will remain head of state and chair an executive cabinet of 31. The main sticking point appears to be who will control the army and the feared secret police (CIO). Populated by veterans of the fight for independence and fiercely loyal to former independence fighter Mugabe, it is probable that he will remain in control of state security. Tsvangirai will probably control the civilian police and the prison system. Details of the agreement are to be released today.