Mugabe sidelines Tsvangirai

Robert Mugabe appears to have ensured his political survival by sidelining his main rival Morgan Tsvangirai and striking a deal with Arthur Mutambara, the leader of a breakaway opposition faction. Mugabe's officials claimed yesterday that the 84-year-old dictator has agreed a coalition deal with Mutumbara that apparently excludes Tsvangirai.

Such an agreement could give the president control of the new parliament but it would exclude Zimbabwe from the foreign aid it so desperately needs to stabilise its shattered economy.

Thabo Mbeki, South Africa’s President, who is mediating the talks confirmed a deal had been struck after three days of negotiations, but indicated that he hoped a role will be found for Tsvangirai in the new government.

A deal between Mugabe and Mutambara would be remarkable, given that Mutambara has been highly critical of the President. In June he was arrested for condemning Mugabe's handling of the election.