One can only wonder what Robert Mugabe was thinking as his political rival and now partner, Morgan Tsvangirai, was sworn in last week as Zimbabwe’s prime minister. In his inaugural speech, Tsvangirai promised a virtual revolution: rule of law, political freedoms, independent news media, economic reform, food for needy Zimbabweans regardless of party affiliation.

We hope the national unity government will allow Tsvangirai to achieve his ambitious and essential goals. But like many others, we are sceptical that Mugabe — Zimbabwe’s illegitimate

president — and his henchmen will allow it. If there is any real hope, African leaders must pressure Mugabe to stop tormenting the opposition and let Tsvangirai do his job. The United States, Europe and others must continue providing humanitarian aid to help Zimbabwe cope with the cholera epidemic and feed its people.

But they are right to hold back development aid and maintain sanctions until Mugabe and his henchmen show they are serious about keeping their commitments. Tsvangirai must also remain clear-eyed about Mugabe’s reprehensible ways and not be seduced by the limited power he has managed to negotiate. Zimbabwe needs an end to its horrors and deserves hopeful future Tsvangirai has promised.