Opposition slams Mugabe govt

2008-08-27 14:26

Johannesburg - Zimbabwe's two opposition factions said on Wednesday they will not take part in a government formed by President Robert Mugabe before power-sharing talks have been concluded.

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change described Mugabe's intention to form a government regardless of the opposition as "a declaration of war against the people".

"It's very clear that if he announces the new cabinet it's a declaration of war against the people. You can't just have a cabinet without a mandate," MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa told AFP.

Mugabe told government mouthpiece The Herald on Wednesday that he would form a new government "soon" even without a resolution to currently stalled power-sharing talks with the MDC.

The spokesperson for the smaller MDC faction, Edwin Mushoriwa said: "We are not going to be part of Mugabe's government. We are actually looking forward to the conclusion of the dialogue when Mugabe and (MDC leader Morgan) Tsvangirai form a transitional government"

The parties were responding to Mugabe's announcement that a new government would shortly be set up, reported in state media on Wednesday.

- AFP