Mugabe is prepared to form a new government

Reports on 5 January 2009 indicated President Robert Mugabe is prepared to form a new government in Zimbabwe in February 2009, despite deadlocked negotiations with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Mugabe apparently began preparations for the new government by firing nine ministers and three deputies who had lost their seats to the opposition in the March 2008 election. Observers report that the move is a clear signal that the ruling party has lost patience with the MDC. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and the MDC signed a power sharing agreement in September 2008, but negotiations have deadlocked over the allocation of key ministries and responsibilities. Meanwhile, attacks on opposition supporters and human rights activists continue in Zimbabwe. A judge ordered that Jestina Mukoko -- the president of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), who is currently in police custody on charges of plotting to overthrow Mugabe -- receive medical treatment before her trial continues. The ruling comes after the activist was reportedly poisoned and tortured in the Chikurubi maximum security prison. Mukoko was abducted from her home on 3 December 2008 and is due to appear in court on 6 January. If convicted of the terrorism charges, Mukoko and nine other detainees could face the death penalty. MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has threatened to withdraw from power sharing negotiations with the ruling party unless the abductions and ill treatment stop.