Mugabe Doesn’t Call the Shots

Morgan Tsvangirai is on a mission to save Zimbabwe. The longtime leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) became prime minister as part of a transitional, power-sharing government formed with President Robert Mugabe after last year's election ended in violence. Tsvangirai spoke to NEWSWEEK's Christopher Werth in London during a trip to wrangle help rebuilding Zimbabwe. Excerpts:

You say Zimbabwe needs $8 billion. What for?
It's not just about food. It's about education, health, and reviving agricultural production so small farmers have food self-sufficiency. It is very important to demonstrate that this government represents the beginning of real change.

But Western governments are concerned Mugabe hasn't relinquished enough control.
They want to see us implementing what we agreed, and there's nothing wrong with that. But where I've gone, people want to help Zimbabweans. They want to see economic recovery.

Should sanctions be lifted?
There has to be a progressive, targeted, and phased support depending on what we do, not what we say. After all, it does not cost money to give people freedom.

You've said that you and c sit down every Monday, and that there is no more acrimony. But after the beatings you received, Is he someone you can work with?
We can do business, but it's a businesslike relationship. At a personal level we differ, but respectfully. We've agreed that there's no issue that's insurmountable.

Mugabe's allies and the state-controlled media in Zimbabwe continue to say some very harsh things about you.
As far I'm concerned, we are in government. We are no longer the opposition. The state media must adjust to the reality that I'm prime minister with executive authority, just like Mugabe and the cabinet. That's what the agreement says.