HARARE, Zimbabwe — President Robert Mugabe swore in two vice presidents Monday despite a deadlock in power-sharing talks with the opposition movement, heightening tensions that are threatening to unravel the negotiations.
The opposition called the ceremony an act of bad faith, and Mugabe’s unilateral move was condemned by the European Union. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Europeans would “play no part in supporting a power grab by the Mugabe regime.”
While Zimbabwe’s politicians squabble, half the population — 5.1 million people — faces starvation, two-thirds of children are out of school and water shortages have caused deadly cholera outbreaks in three parts of the country, aid groups say.
The political talks have stalled as Mugabe insists his party hold all the key Cabinet posts.
With opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai threatening to abandon the talks, former South African President Thabo Mbeki was flying to Harare late Monday to try to save the power-sharing deal he brokered this summer after a disputed presidential election.
Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the negotiations would resume today.
