Links ~ 19 July 2008
Zimbabwe opposition set to sign talks agenda (AFP)
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is reportedly on the verge of signing an agreement, which would provide a framework for fully-fledged talks to commence between the political parties in Zimbabwe. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines the agenda for the talks and the ground rules. The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will form a “reference group”, which will assist SADC-appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki with the mediation process. Morgan Tsvangirai President of the MDC told The Star newspaper that the “reference group” and Mbeki will travel to Harare on Monday for the signing of the MOU. Tsvangirai said that it was a positive step and that Zimbabweans had suffered enough and it was time that the crisis should end.
Nelson Chamisa spokesperson for the MDC said, “The expansion of the mediation effort is a positive and encouraging development that will embolden the integrity of the process, adds international stamina, stressing the urgent seriousness required to solve this crisis.”
“The enhancement of the credibility of the process, positions the MDC in a ready-to-take-off mode,” said Chamisa.
Chamisa said that African Union Commission chairperson Jean Ping has travelled to Zimbabwe on Saturday to meet with Tsvangirai.
UN Commission Chief in Zimbabwe (SWRA)
African Union Commission chairperson Jean Ping arrived in Harare on Saturday to hold separate talks with the main political parties in Zimbabwe. Details of the talks are not available, but it is said that it is a briefing on the pre-dialogue talks. The two MDC formations and Zanu-PF is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday.
Zimbabwe introduces 100-billion-dollar note (AFP)
Zimbabwe has introduced a new 100-billion-dollar bank note in an attempt to ease rampant cash shortages. The central bank said in a statement on Saturday that the new note will go into circulation on Monday July 21. The official inflation figure for June has been pegged at 2.2 million percent; independent economists however believe that it is in reality between 10 million and 15 million percent.
Zimbabwean Workers Overwhelmed By 2 Million Percent Hyperinflation (VOA)
The announcement Zimbabwe’s central bank that hyperinflation has topped 2 million percent did not surprise the consumers in the country. Japhet Moyo deputy secretary general of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions said that many Zimbabweans do not go to work anymore, as their salaries do not meet basic living expenses. Prosper Chitambara, formerly of the Labour and Economics Development Research Institute of Harare and now with the Birmingham University in England, said that many households eat only one meal a day.
War vets threaten to take over companies (The Zimbabwe Times)
War veterans have not only threatened to hold marches to protest ever-increasing prices of basic commodities, they are now threatening to take over the foreign owned companies. The war veterans accuse these companies of increasing prices or indexing prices of basic commodities to the foreign exchange rate. According to the war veterans the foreign companies do this to incite the people to revolt against Mugabe’s regime. Jabulani Sibanda chair of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has warned businesses that the war veterans were very angry and would move against businesses to “protect Zimbabweans against illegal price hikes”.
July 20th, 2008 14:11
Nice to see that the maWarVets still regard reality as an enemy of the State.
I hope that the MDC, while holding out for these additional mediators, has not lost sight of the more fundamental precondition to any talks, which is a cessation of violence. If the “talks about talks” do not have this precondition, then every day of talks should begin with the MDC listing every act of violence since the negotiators previously met, as well as any newly-discovered bodies from previous violence. If Zanu-PF had any violence to report against its members I’m sure they could use the opportunity to do that as well - or remain silent if there has been none.
Then people would know exactly what they were negotiating about.
July 20th, 2008 22:08
I’m also worried about this though not wanting to be negative, especially since I don’t live in Zimbabwe.
But perhaps this is why civil society has been saying they want more of a voice? Here we have a typical politicians’ compromise. Mbeki has come up with an option that satisfied MDC without himself losing face. Great. Good for him.
But the requirement of an end (or at least a start to an end) of the violence, and - most important of all - allowing the humanitarian agencies back in to save thousands of lives that are now gravely at risk - what about those?
I’m just praying that the MDC has not lost touch with the most basic needs of the most vulnerable Zimbabweans…alternatively, if it has, that the voice of civil society will from now on become more and more insistent.
July 20th, 2008 23:36
I agree with you, Mike, about a list, though I’d hope it wouldn’t have to come to that: people’s confidence in Morgan would surely be shaken if his precondition regarding the cessation of violence were waived.
The Role of Honour for this period in 2008 is sadly way too long already. In the years ahead, these brave innocent people must continue to be remembered in Zimbabwe; they are the real Heroes and Martyrs in the history of the country.
My deep fear is summed up in a question, would anyone have got anywhere negotiating with Hitler or Saddam?
Politically, Raila Obinga (Kenya) has spoken out so well, showing that he sees the problems clearly - as does for example Moletsi Mbeki (in SA) - so there are those in the region with much wisdom to offer Zim, if only the way can be cleared for them to do so.
We must keep praying for truth and justice to prevail.