Links ~ 1 July 2008
AU needs to explain resolution: MDC (SABCnews)
Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says the African Union (AU) should explain the context of its resolution that there should be a government of national unity in Zimbabwe.
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, George Shiboshiwe says there are many interpretations of the term government of national unity and a definition is very important.
“By government of national unity are they talking of a transitional government which is going to run for two years allowing for an election in two years, or of a permanent government which has a mandate for five years, or a government led by Robert Mugabe which is inclusive of MDC or a government led by Morgan Tsvangirai inclusive of Zanu-PF?”
Africa: AU Summit Resolution On Zimbabwe (AU)
The African Union Assembly, meeting in its 11th Ordinary Session held on June 30 to July 1, 2008 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt,
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe;
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the negative reports of SADC, the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament observers on the Zimbabwean Presidential run-off election held on June 27, 2008;
DEEPLY CONCERNED about the violence and the loss of life that has occurred in Zimbabwe.
CONSIDERING the urgent need to prevent further worsening of the situation and with a view to avoid spread of conflict with the consequential negative impact on the country and the sub-region;
FURTHER CONSIDERING the need to create an environment conducive for democracy, as well as the development of the people of Zimbabwe;
EXPRESSING its appreciation to SADC, and its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, as well as the Facilitator of the intra-Zimbabwe dialogue, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and His Excellency Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the ongoing work aimed at reconciling the political parties;
RECOGNISING the complexity of the situation in Zimbabwe;
NOTING the willingness of the political leaders of Zimbabwe to enter into negotiations to establish a Government of National Unity;
NOTING FURTHER the preparatory discussions on this matter had already started, under SADC facilitation;
Hereby decide:
1. TO ENCOURAGE President Robert Mugabe and the leader of the MDC Party Mr Morgan Tsvangirai to honour their commitment to initiate dialogue with a view to promoting peace, stability, democracy and the reconciliation of the Zimbabwean people;
2. TO SUPPORT the call, for the creation of a Government of National Unity;
3. TO SUPPORT the SADC Facilitation, and to recommend that SADC mediation efforts should be continued in order to resolve the problems they are facing. In this regard SADC should establish a mechanism on the ground in order to seize the momentum for a negotiated solution;
4. TO APPEAL to states and all parties concerned to refrain from any action that may negatively impact on the climate of dialogue;
5. In the spirit of all SADC initiatives, the AU remains convinced that the people of Zimbabwe will be able to resolve their differences and work together once again as one Nation, provided they receive undivided support from SADC, the AU and the world at large.
Mbeki rejects EU demands on Zim (Sapa)
South African President Thabo Mbeki has rejected demands from the European Union (EU) that Morgan Tsvangirai leader of the MDC should lead a future government in Zimbabwe. “The result that comes out of that process of dialogue, must be a result that is agreed by the Zimbabweans and we certainly – and certainly the African continent – has not made any prescriptions about the outcomes of what the Zimbabweans must negotiate among themselves,” said Mbeki.
The EU has issued a statement in which it said that the EU would only accept a government under leadership of Morgan Tsvangirai as being legitimate.
German Company Stops Bank Note Shipments to Zimbabwe (DW)
Giesecke & Devrient has announced that it will stop the supply of paper, used for printing money, to Zimbabwe. The company said that its decision was based on the official request from the German government, and the calls of the European Union and the United States, for international sanctions on Zimbabwe.
“Our decision takes account of concerns about the worsening political situation in Zimbabwe which we had expected to improve,” said Karsten Ottenberg, the company’s managing director. “It also reflects the critical views from the international community, the government and general public.”
Zimbabwe and the Conspiracy of Silence (This Day)
UDO JUDE ILO explores in this article the ‘conspiracy of silence’ that enables despots to remain in power in the region. ILO argues that Zimbabwe symbolises ‘the failure of leadership in Africa and the resonating malaise around the whole of Africa’. The African Union (AU) and many African leaders once again demonstrate the inability to publicly condemn and act upon those leaders who see leadership as a birthright and who are answerable to no one. The situation in Zimbabwe once again demonstrate the need for African nations to ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance which was adopted more than a year ago.
Since its adoption of the charter, it has not received a single ratification.
July 2nd, 2008 12:39
The AU is useless. This “government of national unity” crap will amount to nothing and Zimbabwe will be in the same boat as before.. with Mugabe creating havoc.
Let’s hope other factors will quickly make the regime crack wide open.
July 2nd, 2008 12:46
Re: Mbeki rejects EU demands on Zim
I am sure The MDC can handle negotiations when they get under way. But does Mbeki think he is clever by simply dismissing the EUs common sense approach, like some third-rate umpire at a cricket match? Does he not realise that it is perfectly normal in a sane world for the democratic alliance that won a sizeable majority at the general election to expect its leader to lead a future government?
I bet Zuma realises that, and as he will be the President of South Africa next year, he should be the one to reject Mbeki’s obvious and disgraceful bias against everything Morgan and his colleagues stand for, and shame him publicly for his twisted comments.
July 2nd, 2008 14:02
What a pity that the likes of Mbeki have gone deaf and blind to reason. There is a pattern of behaviour which we must notice here. The so-called freedom fighters think that pulling the trigger during the liberation war and being political leaders is the same. Events are proving this to be a fantasy. Mugabe and Mbeki have lost it. Maybe they never had it in them that after a liberation struggle there needs to be a transition to civilian reasoning and politics. This is where they are in complte denial. If the MDC wins then something is very wrong, what precedent is he promoting. How I wish the world cup becomes a flop Mr president.
July 2nd, 2008 14:25
Have you seen this in the independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/inside-mugabes-torture-camps-beaten-maimed-and-poisoned-with-weedkiller-857659.html
July 2nd, 2008 16:10
Re: Zimbabwe and the Conspiracy of Silence
(This Day)
A very perceptive article on This Day:
“To allow Mugabe to walk home dry after
disenfranchising his people and enthroning an African brand of colonialism will mock the principles behind the AU and further darken the perception of Africa around the world.”
THERE WAS ONCE A HOUSE CALLED AFRICA. WHEN THE WHITE MAN SAID HE WOULD BE LEAVING SOME PEOPLE MADE A GREAT RUSH FOR THE DOOR, AND SHUT IT TIGHT BEHIND THEM, VOWING NEVER TO LET THE CROWD OUTSIDE COME IN.
July 2nd, 2008 17:58
It’s astonishing that Mr Mbeki so completely disregards the will of the Zimbabwean elecorate. They were invited to vote on March 29th, given the choice of four candidates, one of which emerged as the clear winner. Why then would anyone think Mr Mbeki, or Mr Mugabe, are in a position to decide on who will or won’t be the next president of Zimbabwe? I just don’t get it.