Former Finance Minister Simba Makoni who contested the 2008 presidential elections as an independent candidate formally launched his own Mavambo Kusile Dawn party on 30 June 2009. Makoni criticised the performance of the inclusive government and referred to the Movement for Democratic Change as part of the ruling party. SUMMARY———–Topics of the week:– MDC Boycotts Cabinet…– Makoni Launches Opposition Party…– Chiadzwa Abuses Exposed…– …As KP Visit Begins…– Bennett Trial Set for October…– No UZ Grads in 2009? Makoni Launches Opposition Party… Former ZANU-PF financeminister and 2008 independent presidential candidate, Simba Makoni,launched his opposition party Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD) on June 30in Harare. Makoni justified the formation ofanother political party in Zimbabwe as an opportunity to “open upmore political space in Zimbabwe.” Makoni criticized theperformance of the inclusive government thus far, and referred tothe MDC as part of the ruling party.