Power-sharing deal reached in Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe reeled in a deal with a minor opposition party Tuesday that enables him to continue to hold sway in the African nation.

However, Mugabe's agreement with the splinter faction's leader, Arthur Mutambara, was not enough for spring free $2 billion in foreign aid promised if he had relinquished power to his main rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, head of Zimbabwe's main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change, The Guardian reported.

Mugabe and Mutambara, whose group holds 10 seats in Parliament, will attempt to form a national unity administration that will keep Mugabe in control. It was not clear what role Mutambara would hold in the new government, the British newspaper said.

Under Mugabe's leadership, Zimbabwe's economy has fallen into shambles, with hyper-inflation running above 10 million percent.

Tsvangirai had won the initial round of presidential elections this spring but pulled out of the run-off contest, citing violent government intimidation of voters. Sources close to Tsvangirai told The Guardian three days of talks in Harare facilitated by South African President Thabo Mbeki foundered after Mugabe agreed to appoint Tsvangirai as prime minister but insisted on retaining ultimate authority. Mugabe also resisted significant constitutional reform.