ZIMBABWE's security forces have been rocked by serious indiscipline,
resulting in arrests of several soldiers amid fears of a mutiny.
By late last night police were still holding six uniformed soldiers while
investigations continued into disturbances in the city on Thursday night.
Witnesses said a group of soldiers in battle fatigues had arrived at a busy
bus stop in the city centre and started assaulting people whom they
suspected of dealing in foreign currency.
Police and military police were called to the scene to quell the violence.
By the time the melee was brought under control many civilians had been
injured - some complained that the soldiers had stolen their money.
But yesterday police were still trying to figure out what had triggered the
unprovoked attack on the public. Though the police officially claim they
were investigating theft and assault, it appears that the matter might be
more serious.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of a mutiny.
"The soldiers appear to be unhappy because they cannot withdraw money from
their bank accounts. They say only high-ranking officers have access to
cash," a police source close to the investigation said.
Zimbabwe is experiencing a severe cash crunch that has forced banking
authorities to limit withdrawals.
Earlier this month, soldiers from the KG Six barracks were arrested on
suspicion of being behind a bomb blast at Morris police depot.
Two days later, another bomb went off at Harare Central police station.
There were no arrests.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Zanu-PF admits Mugabe status not official
HARARE – A top-ranking official of President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF has publicly admitted that Mugabe is merely the “de facto” and not legally the Zimbabwean Head of State.
Zimbabwe’s former ambassador to China and a senior Mugabe aide Chris Mutsvangwa conceded Friday that Mugabe can only become Zimbabwe’s legitimate President when the pending Constitutional Amendment 19 Bill is passed into law.
Mutsvangwa is a prominent member of Zanu-PF’s media and publicity committee, which was formed to steer the party’s publicity campaign ahead of the disputed June 27 presidential election.
Mutsvangwa spoke as he defended Mugabe’s presence at a UN conference in Qatar to discuss the global financial situation.
Mugabe, whose legitimacy as President is fiercely challenged by his opponents back at home, is representing Zimbabwe at the conference, alongside other world leaders.
“Zimbabwe is part of the UN system,” Mutsvangwa told journalists at the Quill Club, Harare ’s press club on Friday evening.
“Somebody has got to be representing the country and in our case it is the one who is the de facto Head of State who will soon be a de jure Head of State courtesy of an agreement which the MDC has signed already.”
The statement by Mutsvangwa is a climb-down from Zanu-PF’s earlier stance that has sought to portray Mugabe as having duly won the June 27 election. The controversial election was immediately dismissed as a sham by African observers due to political intimidation and open abuse of electoral procedures by Zanu-PF.
Mutsvangwa, who has virtually sidelined veteran politician and Zanu-PF spokesperson Nathan Shamuyarira, accused the MDC leadership of failing to stick to their own commitments.
“The MDC made Mugabe the Head of State in that agreement,” he said.
“We can’t have people who flip-flop as if they have got the memory of a duck. You have got to stick to what you have signed. You made Mugabe President; you made your own president the prime minister-designate. You have got to have the memory of an elephant - long.”
Mutsvangwa accused Tsvangirai of undiplomatic behaviour and of failure to appreciate he would soon become Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister.
“Tsvangirai is still trying to get used to the process of getting powerful,” he said, “He should be comporting himself as somebody who is about to enter high office of course under Mugabe as per his agreement.”
Mutsvanga, a former ZBC chief executive officer, lashed at former UN secretary general Dr Kofi Annan for his recent attempt to visit Zimbabwe to assess the ‘‘escalating humanitarian crisis’’ in the country.
Government last week barred a planned visit by Annan alongside former United States president Mr Jimmy Carter and Mozambican rights advocate Ms Graca Machel. Machel is the wife of Nelson Mandela.
The three belong to a group of former statesmen and prominent personalities known as the Global Elders.
Zimbabwe government officials suggested Annan was barred because he represented what they described as neo-colonial interests.
“He is an expatriate African who left Africa quite early (in his life),” said Mutsvangwa.
“That’s Annan. He spent a lot of time as a UN diplomat and his last and most important assignment in Africa was in Rwanda in 1994 and all that butchering went on.
“He was actually in charge of the UN peacekeepers and he made that country go through that horrid genocide.
“When he went into the United Nations, he never promoted even one African to become an important person at the United Nations.
“So I am talking of somebody whose history about Africa is at most sordid but probably very tenuous. Now he comes here masquerading as somebody who is a humanitarian. He allowed sanctions at the UN something he never condemned as secretary-general. Now he wants to come here to see the effects of those sanctions.”
Mutsvangwa accused Annan, a Ghanaian, of insincerity.
“He is a man looking for glory,” he said, “He is a man who wants to find a trusteeship in Africa at a later day. Let him go and seek for election in Ghana if he wants to become a ruler in Africa.”
Zimbabwe’s former ambassador to China and a senior Mugabe aide Chris Mutsvangwa conceded Friday that Mugabe can only become Zimbabwe’s legitimate President when the pending Constitutional Amendment 19 Bill is passed into law.
Mutsvangwa is a prominent member of Zanu-PF’s media and publicity committee, which was formed to steer the party’s publicity campaign ahead of the disputed June 27 presidential election.
Mutsvangwa spoke as he defended Mugabe’s presence at a UN conference in Qatar to discuss the global financial situation.
Mugabe, whose legitimacy as President is fiercely challenged by his opponents back at home, is representing Zimbabwe at the conference, alongside other world leaders.
“Zimbabwe is part of the UN system,” Mutsvangwa told journalists at the Quill Club, Harare ’s press club on Friday evening.
“Somebody has got to be representing the country and in our case it is the one who is the de facto Head of State who will soon be a de jure Head of State courtesy of an agreement which the MDC has signed already.”
The statement by Mutsvangwa is a climb-down from Zanu-PF’s earlier stance that has sought to portray Mugabe as having duly won the June 27 election. The controversial election was immediately dismissed as a sham by African observers due to political intimidation and open abuse of electoral procedures by Zanu-PF.
Mutsvangwa, who has virtually sidelined veteran politician and Zanu-PF spokesperson Nathan Shamuyarira, accused the MDC leadership of failing to stick to their own commitments.
“The MDC made Mugabe the Head of State in that agreement,” he said.
“We can’t have people who flip-flop as if they have got the memory of a duck. You have got to stick to what you have signed. You made Mugabe President; you made your own president the prime minister-designate. You have got to have the memory of an elephant - long.”
Mutsvangwa accused Tsvangirai of undiplomatic behaviour and of failure to appreciate he would soon become Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister.
“Tsvangirai is still trying to get used to the process of getting powerful,” he said, “He should be comporting himself as somebody who is about to enter high office of course under Mugabe as per his agreement.”
Mutsvanga, a former ZBC chief executive officer, lashed at former UN secretary general Dr Kofi Annan for his recent attempt to visit Zimbabwe to assess the ‘‘escalating humanitarian crisis’’ in the country.
Government last week barred a planned visit by Annan alongside former United States president Mr Jimmy Carter and Mozambican rights advocate Ms Graca Machel. Machel is the wife of Nelson Mandela.
The three belong to a group of former statesmen and prominent personalities known as the Global Elders.
Zimbabwe government officials suggested Annan was barred because he represented what they described as neo-colonial interests.
“He is an expatriate African who left Africa quite early (in his life),” said Mutsvangwa.
“That’s Annan. He spent a lot of time as a UN diplomat and his last and most important assignment in Africa was in Rwanda in 1994 and all that butchering went on.
“He was actually in charge of the UN peacekeepers and he made that country go through that horrid genocide.
“When he went into the United Nations, he never promoted even one African to become an important person at the United Nations.
“So I am talking of somebody whose history about Africa is at most sordid but probably very tenuous. Now he comes here masquerading as somebody who is a humanitarian. He allowed sanctions at the UN something he never condemned as secretary-general. Now he wants to come here to see the effects of those sanctions.”
Mutsvangwa accused Annan, a Ghanaian, of insincerity.
“He is a man looking for glory,” he said, “He is a man who wants to find a trusteeship in Africa at a later day. Let him go and seek for election in Ghana if he wants to become a ruler in Africa.”
Friday, November 28, 2008
Terror on the streets as soldiers rampage through Harare
28 November 2008
Harare’s streets were on Friday the site of total chaos as angry uniformed soldiers decided to vent their frustration on traders, forex dealers and passersby, on the city streets.
The attacks began after a large group of soldiers went on the rampage at a bank on Thursday. Bank tellers had been unable to pay them the full amounts they wanted to withdraw, after they had spent a full day in the queue. These long queues outside banks have become a common feature because of the serious shortage of currency, as well as the restrictive limit on cash withdrawals. It’s understood the group ran amok and vented their anger on the staff of Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare, after the bank ran out of cash by the end of the day.
The group of an estimated 60 to 70 men had queued to make cash withdrawals until closing time on Thursday afternoon. Banks in Harare are now required to serve all customers already in the banking hall at closing time. But roughly an hour after the doors were shut, bank officials announced there was no more money to pay out – causing outcry among the uniformed group. The men assaulted bank staff and broke windows before pouring out onto the streets, blocking traffic and intimidating passersby.
SW Radio Africa’s Harare correspondent, Simon Muchemwa explained that forex traders were the next victims of the soldiers’ rampage on Thursday. But he said that Friday also turned into a nightmare when the soldiers returned to take out their frustrations on the public.
“On Friday afternoon they returned and started ransacking all the banks and shops,” Muchwema explained. “Lots of shops were looted and the soldiers were beating everyone in sight.”
The Military police were eventually called in to try and calm the situation, and Muchemwa described the scene as ‘chaos’ as military police tried to control and arrest the uniformed soldiers. “Every shop and bank has been closed and people are so afraid,” Muchemwa said. “Everyone knew that the situation in the country would one day come to an end, and this civil unrest is the beginning of that end.”Muchemwa said there were also concerns that the soldiers were planning on conducting door to door raids from Friday night, to continue venting their anger – despite the attacks being grossly misguided. Muchemwa said it was ‘unfortunate’ that the public is bearing the brunt of the total collapse of the country, by becoming victims of violence, because of problems directly caused by the government.
Independent economic analyst John Robertson, had previously told Newsreel that public unrest was ‘foreseeable’ because of the tension caused by the central bank’s decision to restrictively limit cash withdrawals. On Friday he expressed a lack of surprise at the news that soldiers went on the rampage, but added that “it is surprising that there hasn’t been an outbreak of serious violence before this, because there have been obvious signs of impatience.”
It is yet unclear however if the cash crisis and the general frustration over the cash withdrawal limits is the only reason for the violent outburst by the soldiers. It has been suggested by some sources that the attacks have been orchestrated and possibly motivated by the ongoing political stalemate between ZANU PF and the MDC. There are fears soldiers are clamping down on the public in an effort to intimidate them – in the event that the MDC should pull out of the talks for a unity government.
Meanwhile a meeting convened by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in Masvingo on Monday called on Zimbabweans to converge on banks next Wednesday and stage demonstrations if they fail to withdraw their funds from the banks. Robertson argued on Friday that targeting and blaming the banks for a situation that has been created by the government and echoed by the Reserve Bank, was unfair, saying the banks “are victims of the exact same problem.”
Harare’s streets were on Friday the site of total chaos as angry uniformed soldiers decided to vent their frustration on traders, forex dealers and passersby, on the city streets.
The attacks began after a large group of soldiers went on the rampage at a bank on Thursday. Bank tellers had been unable to pay them the full amounts they wanted to withdraw, after they had spent a full day in the queue. These long queues outside banks have become a common feature because of the serious shortage of currency, as well as the restrictive limit on cash withdrawals. It’s understood the group ran amok and vented their anger on the staff of Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare, after the bank ran out of cash by the end of the day.
The group of an estimated 60 to 70 men had queued to make cash withdrawals until closing time on Thursday afternoon. Banks in Harare are now required to serve all customers already in the banking hall at closing time. But roughly an hour after the doors were shut, bank officials announced there was no more money to pay out – causing outcry among the uniformed group. The men assaulted bank staff and broke windows before pouring out onto the streets, blocking traffic and intimidating passersby.
SW Radio Africa’s Harare correspondent, Simon Muchemwa explained that forex traders were the next victims of the soldiers’ rampage on Thursday. But he said that Friday also turned into a nightmare when the soldiers returned to take out their frustrations on the public.
“On Friday afternoon they returned and started ransacking all the banks and shops,” Muchwema explained. “Lots of shops were looted and the soldiers were beating everyone in sight.”
The Military police were eventually called in to try and calm the situation, and Muchemwa described the scene as ‘chaos’ as military police tried to control and arrest the uniformed soldiers. “Every shop and bank has been closed and people are so afraid,” Muchemwa said. “Everyone knew that the situation in the country would one day come to an end, and this civil unrest is the beginning of that end.”Muchemwa said there were also concerns that the soldiers were planning on conducting door to door raids from Friday night, to continue venting their anger – despite the attacks being grossly misguided. Muchemwa said it was ‘unfortunate’ that the public is bearing the brunt of the total collapse of the country, by becoming victims of violence, because of problems directly caused by the government.
Independent economic analyst John Robertson, had previously told Newsreel that public unrest was ‘foreseeable’ because of the tension caused by the central bank’s decision to restrictively limit cash withdrawals. On Friday he expressed a lack of surprise at the news that soldiers went on the rampage, but added that “it is surprising that there hasn’t been an outbreak of serious violence before this, because there have been obvious signs of impatience.”
It is yet unclear however if the cash crisis and the general frustration over the cash withdrawal limits is the only reason for the violent outburst by the soldiers. It has been suggested by some sources that the attacks have been orchestrated and possibly motivated by the ongoing political stalemate between ZANU PF and the MDC. There are fears soldiers are clamping down on the public in an effort to intimidate them – in the event that the MDC should pull out of the talks for a unity government.
Meanwhile a meeting convened by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in Masvingo on Monday called on Zimbabweans to converge on banks next Wednesday and stage demonstrations if they fail to withdraw their funds from the banks. Robertson argued on Friday that targeting and blaming the banks for a situation that has been created by the government and echoed by the Reserve Bank, was unfair, saying the banks “are victims of the exact same problem.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Mbeki letter 'angers' Tsvangirai
TALKS to end the deadlock in Zimbabwe's power-sharing agreement got off to slow start yesterday amid reports that the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had taken offence at the tone of a letter written to Morgan Tsvangirai by the mediator, former president Thabo Mbeki.
Party insiders said the letter, dated November 22, had so upset the MDC that officials had sought an audience with President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is also current chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In the 10-page letter, which is a response to a letter sent by MDC secretary-general Tendai Biti, Mbeki made comments that did not go down well with the MDC, sensitive to the common Zanu (PF) accusation that it took its cue from the west.
Biti had described the decision on Zimbabwe taken by the extraordinary SADC summit earlier this week as "a nullity", a rejection that appeared to have irked Mbeki.
"It may be that, for whatever reason, you consider our region and continent as being of little consequence to the future of Zimbabwe, believing that others further away, in western Europe and North America, are of greater importance," Mbeki wrote.
The SADC meeting compelled Zanu (PF) and the MDC to seek ways of jointly running the much-contested home affairs ministry, a position rejected by the MDC. Mbeki, whom the MDC has long accused of bias, said the MDC did not respect decisions made by African leaders.
"Realistically, Zimbabwe will never share the same neighbourhood with the countries of western Europe and North America, and therefore secure its success on the basis of friendship with these, and contempt for the decisions of its immediate African neighbours," Mbeki went on.
He also accused the MDC of publicly denouncing SADC leaders as "cowards"."Such manner of proceeding might earn you prominent media headlines. However, I assure you that it will do nothing to solve the problems of Zimbabwe," Mbeki said.
He also told Tsvangirai that in accepting large numbers of Zimbabwean exiles, "in a spirit of solidarity", neighbouring countries had displayed no characteristics of cowardice.
The parties were also at odds about the scope of yesterday's negotiations.Sources said Mugabe's negotiators from Zanu (PF) insisted they were in SA only to discuss an amendment of the constitution to facilitate implementation of the power-sharing pact as recommended by SADC. But Tsvangirai's MDC faction wanted to include a far wider number of issues, including the distribution of ministries, the appointment of provincial governors, top government officials and diplomats, the composition and function of the National Security Council and the correction of "fraudulent changes" to the original power-sharing agreement.
Party insiders said the letter, dated November 22, had so upset the MDC that officials had sought an audience with President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is also current chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In the 10-page letter, which is a response to a letter sent by MDC secretary-general Tendai Biti, Mbeki made comments that did not go down well with the MDC, sensitive to the common Zanu (PF) accusation that it took its cue from the west.
Biti had described the decision on Zimbabwe taken by the extraordinary SADC summit earlier this week as "a nullity", a rejection that appeared to have irked Mbeki.
"It may be that, for whatever reason, you consider our region and continent as being of little consequence to the future of Zimbabwe, believing that others further away, in western Europe and North America, are of greater importance," Mbeki wrote.
The SADC meeting compelled Zanu (PF) and the MDC to seek ways of jointly running the much-contested home affairs ministry, a position rejected by the MDC. Mbeki, whom the MDC has long accused of bias, said the MDC did not respect decisions made by African leaders.
"Realistically, Zimbabwe will never share the same neighbourhood with the countries of western Europe and North America, and therefore secure its success on the basis of friendship with these, and contempt for the decisions of its immediate African neighbours," Mbeki went on.
He also accused the MDC of publicly denouncing SADC leaders as "cowards"."Such manner of proceeding might earn you prominent media headlines. However, I assure you that it will do nothing to solve the problems of Zimbabwe," Mbeki said.
He also told Tsvangirai that in accepting large numbers of Zimbabwean exiles, "in a spirit of solidarity", neighbouring countries had displayed no characteristics of cowardice.
The parties were also at odds about the scope of yesterday's negotiations.Sources said Mugabe's negotiators from Zanu (PF) insisted they were in SA only to discuss an amendment of the constitution to facilitate implementation of the power-sharing pact as recommended by SADC. But Tsvangirai's MDC faction wanted to include a far wider number of issues, including the distribution of ministries, the appointment of provincial governors, top government officials and diplomats, the composition and function of the National Security Council and the correction of "fraudulent changes" to the original power-sharing agreement.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
MDC attends SA talks, armed with 'three' demands
25 November 2008
MDC negotiators left Harare on Tuesday to attend the latest round of talks in South Africa, armed with a set of demands they said should be dealt with, before they join a unity government.Top of that agenda is an issue the negotiators want clarified by the facilitator Thabo Mbeki. The former South African Head of State is reported to have written a letter to Morgan Tsvangirai sometime last week, at which he allegedly used undiplomatic language towards the MDC leader.
The deeply offensive letter caused so much anger within the MDC top brass that lead negotiator Tendai Biti vowed last week he would not travel to South Africa for any talks as a result of Mbeki's disrespect for Tsvangirai.Biti was quoted by the weekly Financial Gazette last week saying he was not going anywhere and he would instead be in Dotito, while they (Mbeki and other negotiators) meet in South Africa.
'The truth of the matter is that we are not going to that meeting. We have stated our position and we are not going anywhere and are not meeting anyone,' Biti said in the Fingaz interview.After a flurry of diplomatic maneuvers between the South African government, Mbeki and SADC, the MDC were finally persuaded to attend the talks. The party only decided on Monday to send their team.'They grudgingly left Harare this morning. So they have demands that they are taking with them to the talks,' our source said.
The other two issues that the MDC will raise are the fraudulent alteration of the Global Political Agreement of the 15th September 2008 by ZANU PF, and the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Number 19.This last issue includes the equitable distribution of ministerial portfolios, the composition and powers of the National Security Council, the unresolved issue of the provincial governors and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and ambassadors.
MDC negotiators left Harare on Tuesday to attend the latest round of talks in South Africa, armed with a set of demands they said should be dealt with, before they join a unity government.Top of that agenda is an issue the negotiators want clarified by the facilitator Thabo Mbeki. The former South African Head of State is reported to have written a letter to Morgan Tsvangirai sometime last week, at which he allegedly used undiplomatic language towards the MDC leader.
The deeply offensive letter caused so much anger within the MDC top brass that lead negotiator Tendai Biti vowed last week he would not travel to South Africa for any talks as a result of Mbeki's disrespect for Tsvangirai.Biti was quoted by the weekly Financial Gazette last week saying he was not going anywhere and he would instead be in Dotito, while they (Mbeki and other negotiators) meet in South Africa.
'The truth of the matter is that we are not going to that meeting. We have stated our position and we are not going anywhere and are not meeting anyone,' Biti said in the Fingaz interview.After a flurry of diplomatic maneuvers between the South African government, Mbeki and SADC, the MDC were finally persuaded to attend the talks. The party only decided on Monday to send their team.'They grudgingly left Harare this morning. So they have demands that they are taking with them to the talks,' our source said.
The other two issues that the MDC will raise are the fraudulent alteration of the Global Political Agreement of the 15th September 2008 by ZANU PF, and the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Number 19.This last issue includes the equitable distribution of ministerial portfolios, the composition and powers of the National Security Council, the unresolved issue of the provincial governors and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and ambassadors.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Annan and Carter call for intervention in Zimbabwe
Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:45pm EST
By Paul Simao
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Southern African nations must intervene more decisively to end Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis, former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and other prominent world figures said on Monday.
Describing Zimbabwe as close to a humanitarian disaster, Annan urged the Southern African Development Community's leaders to pressure President Robert Mugabe and the opposition MDC to break a deadlock blocking the formation of a unity government.
"SADC must bring its full weight to bear," Annan, flanked by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and human rights campaigner Graca Machel, the wife of Nelson Mandela, told reporters.
"I think it is clear that SADC should have done more."
Annan, Carter and Machel, part of a group called the Elders, were barred from entering Zimbabwe last weekend on a humanitarian visit. Mugabe's government denied them visas, saying the visit was unnecessary.
A deepening economic crisis, marked by chronic food shortages and soaring hyperinflation, has prompted millions of Zimbabweans to flee the country. A cholera epidemic has killed almost 300 people and sent hundreds more into South Africa.
Talks on sharing power between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have bogged down over control of key ministries and the rivals' parties are due to resume talks in South Africa on Tuesday.
Tsvangirai's MDC had threatened to boycott the talks, but party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said: "Our team, consistent with the duty and obligation to represent the people, will attend tomorrow's meeting in South Africa."
Machel welcomed South Africa's move to withhold some $28 million in food aid to Zimbabwe to apply pressure.
"That's a good tone. Maybe other SADC nations should consider doing the same," Machel said.
BEYOND "WAIT AND SEE"
South Africa's ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma criticized Harare's decision to block the Elders as an "unfortunate act." President Kgalema Motlanthe said his government had asked Mugabe for an explanation but received no response.
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also condemned Zimbabwe's government for barring the Elders.
"Rather than turn people away they should try to benefit from those who want to try to help Zimbabwe get onto a better track," he said.
Zuma and Motlanthe urged a quick end to Zimbabwe's crisis. "The situation has just gone beyond a situation where we could say 'wait and see,'" Zuma told reporters. He said the Elders had told him Zimbabwe could be months from collapse.
Carter said the crisis was worse than he had imagined and he felt southern African leaders did not fully understand the extent of the misery in the once-prosperous nation.He said the United Nations, African Union and SADC should send teams into Zimbabwe to properly report the crisis.
Opposition leader Tsvangirai accuses Mugabe, who won a June presidential election boycotted by Tsvangirai because of violence, of trying to relegate the MDC to the role of a junior partner in the government.
Mugabe has angered the opposition with a plan to push through a constitutional amendment allowing him to name a cabinet alone, a move that could wreck the power-sharing deal.
Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF, Tsvangirai's MDC and a smaller MDC faction are due to meet with mediator Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's former president, on Tuesday. Mbeki has mediated the crisis since 2007 under a SADC mandate.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress, backed by Mugabe during its decades-long struggle to overthrow apartheid, will also send a delegation to Zimbabwe to assess the situation, Zuma said.
By Paul Simao
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Southern African nations must intervene more decisively to end Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis, former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and other prominent world figures said on Monday.
Describing Zimbabwe as close to a humanitarian disaster, Annan urged the Southern African Development Community's leaders to pressure President Robert Mugabe and the opposition MDC to break a deadlock blocking the formation of a unity government.
"SADC must bring its full weight to bear," Annan, flanked by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and human rights campaigner Graca Machel, the wife of Nelson Mandela, told reporters.
"I think it is clear that SADC should have done more."
Annan, Carter and Machel, part of a group called the Elders, were barred from entering Zimbabwe last weekend on a humanitarian visit. Mugabe's government denied them visas, saying the visit was unnecessary.
A deepening economic crisis, marked by chronic food shortages and soaring hyperinflation, has prompted millions of Zimbabweans to flee the country. A cholera epidemic has killed almost 300 people and sent hundreds more into South Africa.
Talks on sharing power between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have bogged down over control of key ministries and the rivals' parties are due to resume talks in South Africa on Tuesday.
Tsvangirai's MDC had threatened to boycott the talks, but party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said: "Our team, consistent with the duty and obligation to represent the people, will attend tomorrow's meeting in South Africa."
Machel welcomed South Africa's move to withhold some $28 million in food aid to Zimbabwe to apply pressure.
"That's a good tone. Maybe other SADC nations should consider doing the same," Machel said.
BEYOND "WAIT AND SEE"
South Africa's ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma criticized Harare's decision to block the Elders as an "unfortunate act." President Kgalema Motlanthe said his government had asked Mugabe for an explanation but received no response.
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also condemned Zimbabwe's government for barring the Elders.
"Rather than turn people away they should try to benefit from those who want to try to help Zimbabwe get onto a better track," he said.
Zuma and Motlanthe urged a quick end to Zimbabwe's crisis. "The situation has just gone beyond a situation where we could say 'wait and see,'" Zuma told reporters. He said the Elders had told him Zimbabwe could be months from collapse.
Carter said the crisis was worse than he had imagined and he felt southern African leaders did not fully understand the extent of the misery in the once-prosperous nation.He said the United Nations, African Union and SADC should send teams into Zimbabwe to properly report the crisis.
Opposition leader Tsvangirai accuses Mugabe, who won a June presidential election boycotted by Tsvangirai because of violence, of trying to relegate the MDC to the role of a junior partner in the government.
Mugabe has angered the opposition with a plan to push through a constitutional amendment allowing him to name a cabinet alone, a move that could wreck the power-sharing deal.
Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF, Tsvangirai's MDC and a smaller MDC faction are due to meet with mediator Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's former president, on Tuesday. Mbeki has mediated the crisis since 2007 under a SADC mandate.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress, backed by Mugabe during its decades-long struggle to overthrow apartheid, will also send a delegation to Zimbabwe to assess the situation, Zuma said.
Zimbabwe's MDC could boycott Mbeki meeting
Sun 23 Nov 2008, 17:20 GMT
HARARE, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) may boycott a meeting to discuss a constitutional bill that would allow President Robert Mugabe to form a unity government, an opposition official said on Sunday.
A power-sharing agreement signed by Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Sept. 15 has faltered as the two fight over control of key ministries.
Former South African president Thabo Mbeki, who brokered the deal, has called for a meeting in South Africa this week where the parties would review proposed constitutional changes giving effect to a power-sharing government.
But Tsvangirai's MDC, which has refused to accept the terms offered by Mugabe and wants full control of the home affairs ministry overseeing the police, has responded coolly.
A senior party source told Reuters some officials wanted the MDC to boycott the meeting in protest against the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) stance on the dispute between Mugabe's ZANU-PF and the MDC.
"There is a strong feeling that attending the meeting would legitimise a SADC resolution rejected by the party. We cannot continue engaging in this process when SADC and Mbeki refuse to take our legitimate concerns seriously," the source said.
"Tsvangirai does not want a boycott of the meeting, but other officials, led by secretary general Tendai Biti, don't want that meeting to go ahead until SADC rescinds its decision.
"SADC has recommended that Mugabe and Tsvangirai jointly control the home affairs ministry and that a unity government be set up "forthwith". The MDC accuses the bloc of siding with Mugabe.
Following a meeting with Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Sunday, South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said the two countries would continue to push for the new law to be passed."We agreed that, with regards to Zimbabwe, the next step really is to ensure that we unblock the impasse for them to take Amendment 19 through the senate and the assembly," he told the SABC.
Khama has previously said a new election is the only solution to Zimbabwe's crisis. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa told Reuters the party's leadership would meet in Harare on Monday to decide whether to attend the latest round of negotiations.
"It is our view that our negotiating teams can meet here, without going to Pretoria. We continue to insist that there are more issues remaining, apart from the constitutional amendment.
"The MDC has said it was not consulted when the constitutional bill was drafted, dismissing it as a "ZANU-PF draft.
"Tsvangirai, who was still in South Africa on Sunday, would not take part in the MDC's meeting, his spokesman George Sibotshiwe said.
"He has meetings lined up throughout Monday, here in South Africa," Sibotshiwe said.
Analysts say the historic power-sharing pact, signed on Sept.15, presents the best hope of rescuing Zimbabwe's ruined economy. The agreement, however, appears to be unravelling over unresolved differences between Mugabe and Tsvangirai. (Reporting by Nelson Banya; Editing by Dominic Evans)
HARARE, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) may boycott a meeting to discuss a constitutional bill that would allow President Robert Mugabe to form a unity government, an opposition official said on Sunday.
A power-sharing agreement signed by Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Sept. 15 has faltered as the two fight over control of key ministries.
Former South African president Thabo Mbeki, who brokered the deal, has called for a meeting in South Africa this week where the parties would review proposed constitutional changes giving effect to a power-sharing government.
But Tsvangirai's MDC, which has refused to accept the terms offered by Mugabe and wants full control of the home affairs ministry overseeing the police, has responded coolly.
A senior party source told Reuters some officials wanted the MDC to boycott the meeting in protest against the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) stance on the dispute between Mugabe's ZANU-PF and the MDC.
"There is a strong feeling that attending the meeting would legitimise a SADC resolution rejected by the party. We cannot continue engaging in this process when SADC and Mbeki refuse to take our legitimate concerns seriously," the source said.
"Tsvangirai does not want a boycott of the meeting, but other officials, led by secretary general Tendai Biti, don't want that meeting to go ahead until SADC rescinds its decision.
"SADC has recommended that Mugabe and Tsvangirai jointly control the home affairs ministry and that a unity government be set up "forthwith". The MDC accuses the bloc of siding with Mugabe.
Following a meeting with Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Sunday, South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said the two countries would continue to push for the new law to be passed."We agreed that, with regards to Zimbabwe, the next step really is to ensure that we unblock the impasse for them to take Amendment 19 through the senate and the assembly," he told the SABC.
Khama has previously said a new election is the only solution to Zimbabwe's crisis. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa told Reuters the party's leadership would meet in Harare on Monday to decide whether to attend the latest round of negotiations.
"It is our view that our negotiating teams can meet here, without going to Pretoria. We continue to insist that there are more issues remaining, apart from the constitutional amendment.
"The MDC has said it was not consulted when the constitutional bill was drafted, dismissing it as a "ZANU-PF draft.
"Tsvangirai, who was still in South Africa on Sunday, would not take part in the MDC's meeting, his spokesman George Sibotshiwe said.
"He has meetings lined up throughout Monday, here in South Africa," Sibotshiwe said.
Analysts say the historic power-sharing pact, signed on Sept.15, presents the best hope of rescuing Zimbabwe's ruined economy. The agreement, however, appears to be unravelling over unresolved differences between Mugabe and Tsvangirai. (Reporting by Nelson Banya; Editing by Dominic Evans)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Gvt Admits Cholera Killed Hundreds
Saturday, 23 November 2008 20:09
FOR the first time since The Standard reported that officials were covering up the magnitude of cholera deaths, government yesterday admitted the epidemic had claimed more people than officials were prepared to reveal.
Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa (pictured) said 281 people had succumbed to cholera during the period beginning September until last Friday.
Parirenyatwa revealed the figure to The Standard after the World Health Organisation announced that between August and last Tuesday, 294 had died as a result of cholera.
In a statement released from Geneva, WHO said 6 072 cases had been reported countrywide during the same period.
The government had tried to downplay the cholera outbreak insisting that less than 40 people had died in Harare, the epicentre of the epidemic.But Parirenyatwa, who has persistently told state media that government had brought the epidemic "under control", yesterday said he was "scared" by the extent of the outbreak.
"The official figures from the Ministry for the period between September and Friday night is 281 for the whole of Zimbabwe," he said. "We cannot be able to control cholera as long as there is no water."We are concerned about the unavailability of water and as the minister responsible for Health I am very scared, especially during this rainy season.
"Government officials have consistently put the death toll at less than 100 despite admissions that up to 40 people died in Beitbridge alone inside a week.
Who spokeswoman, Fadela Chaib, said there had been an upsurge in reported cholera cases during the past fortnight. The United Nations body warned that with the start of the rainy season, the outbreak was likely to continue as the water and sanitation situation was worsening.
Doctors without Borders has warned that 1,4 million people were at risk of contracting the disease. Collapsing sewer infrastructure and poor sanitation in urban areas have been blamed for the cholera outbreak. Doctors and donors say the country's collapsing health sector was failing to cope with the number of people in need of urgent treatment, resulting in more deaths. Gweru, Zvishavane and Kadoma also recorded fresh cases last week.The highly contagious disease also spread to Bulawayo, where it has claimed two lives.
The governor for Bulawayo, Cain Mathema, said by Friday the epidemic had reached Makokoba, Emakhandeni, Pumula and Nkulumane suburbs in the country's second most populous city.Cholera can be treated easily with a sugar and salt solution to replace lost body fluids.
Symptoms include watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which leads to loss of large amounts of body fluids.By Sandra Mandizvidza
FOR the first time since The Standard reported that officials were covering up the magnitude of cholera deaths, government yesterday admitted the epidemic had claimed more people than officials were prepared to reveal.
Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa (pictured) said 281 people had succumbed to cholera during the period beginning September until last Friday.
Parirenyatwa revealed the figure to The Standard after the World Health Organisation announced that between August and last Tuesday, 294 had died as a result of cholera.
In a statement released from Geneva, WHO said 6 072 cases had been reported countrywide during the same period.
The government had tried to downplay the cholera outbreak insisting that less than 40 people had died in Harare, the epicentre of the epidemic.But Parirenyatwa, who has persistently told state media that government had brought the epidemic "under control", yesterday said he was "scared" by the extent of the outbreak.
"The official figures from the Ministry for the period between September and Friday night is 281 for the whole of Zimbabwe," he said. "We cannot be able to control cholera as long as there is no water."We are concerned about the unavailability of water and as the minister responsible for Health I am very scared, especially during this rainy season.
"Government officials have consistently put the death toll at less than 100 despite admissions that up to 40 people died in Beitbridge alone inside a week.
Who spokeswoman, Fadela Chaib, said there had been an upsurge in reported cholera cases during the past fortnight. The United Nations body warned that with the start of the rainy season, the outbreak was likely to continue as the water and sanitation situation was worsening.
Doctors without Borders has warned that 1,4 million people were at risk of contracting the disease. Collapsing sewer infrastructure and poor sanitation in urban areas have been blamed for the cholera outbreak. Doctors and donors say the country's collapsing health sector was failing to cope with the number of people in need of urgent treatment, resulting in more deaths. Gweru, Zvishavane and Kadoma also recorded fresh cases last week.The highly contagious disease also spread to Bulawayo, where it has claimed two lives.
The governor for Bulawayo, Cain Mathema, said by Friday the epidemic had reached Makokoba, Emakhandeni, Pumula and Nkulumane suburbs in the country's second most populous city.Cholera can be treated easily with a sugar and salt solution to replace lost body fluids.
Symptoms include watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which leads to loss of large amounts of body fluids.By Sandra Mandizvidza
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Zim police bar MDC rallies
ZimOnline
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party said on Friday police had banned it from holding two rallies in Harare this weekend citing a cholera outbreak that has hit the capital and several other parts of the country.
“Harare police today (Friday) barred two MDC report-back rallies scheduled for Kuwadzana and Glen View, citing the outbreak of cholera as the reason for the ban,” the MDC said in a statement.
“While the MDC appreciates the magnitude of the cholera outbreak, we believe that the police are playing games and the ban is part of a cocktail of political measures to punish the MDC for not "playing ball" in the dialogue process,” the opposition said.
The Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC heavily relies on rallies and other public events to reach its supporters because President Robert Mugabe’s government does not allow the opposition access to state-owned media.
The government owns the largest newspapers in country as well as its sole radio and television broadcaster.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena was not immediately available for comment on the matter.
Zimbabwe has been battling to contain an outbreak of cholera that started in January and which the United Nations announced on Friday had killed 294 people out of 6 072 cases reported since the beginning of the year. – ZimOnline.
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party said on Friday police had banned it from holding two rallies in Harare this weekend citing a cholera outbreak that has hit the capital and several other parts of the country.
“Harare police today (Friday) barred two MDC report-back rallies scheduled for Kuwadzana and Glen View, citing the outbreak of cholera as the reason for the ban,” the MDC said in a statement.
“While the MDC appreciates the magnitude of the cholera outbreak, we believe that the police are playing games and the ban is part of a cocktail of political measures to punish the MDC for not "playing ball" in the dialogue process,” the opposition said.
The Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC heavily relies on rallies and other public events to reach its supporters because President Robert Mugabe’s government does not allow the opposition access to state-owned media.
The government owns the largest newspapers in country as well as its sole radio and television broadcaster.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena was not immediately available for comment on the matter.
Zimbabwe has been battling to contain an outbreak of cholera that started in January and which the United Nations announced on Friday had killed 294 people out of 6 072 cases reported since the beginning of the year. – ZimOnline.
Friday, November 21, 2008
People are dying of hunger
11/21/08
Cell phones operate only sporadically. State radio has not been received since the district relay beacon broke down eight months ago.
Mhangura, a town of about 3,000 people, has had no running water for months. Power outages happen daily because of a lack of cash to maintain utilities. People walk about three miles to a dam to fill pails or gasoline cans.
Some of the scarce water is used to embalm the dead in wet sand, a centuries-old African tradition to preserve a body until family members gather for the burial.
"There's nothing here. People are dying of illness and hunger. Burial parties are going out every day," said Michael Zava, a trader in Mhangura.
The hospital that serves the district is closed, and so is its small morgue, so there's no way of telling how many are dying, Zava said. Children's hair is discoloring, a sign of malnutrition. Adults are wizened and dressed in rags — they have no cash for new clothes.
Zava said he has seen villagers plucking undigested corn kernels from cow dung to wash and eat. A slaughtered goat is eaten down to everything but hooves, bones and teeth. Crickets, cicadas and beetles also can make a meal.
Cell phones operate only sporadically. State radio has not been received since the district relay beacon broke down eight months ago.
Mhangura, a town of about 3,000 people, has had no running water for months. Power outages happen daily because of a lack of cash to maintain utilities. People walk about three miles to a dam to fill pails or gasoline cans.
Some of the scarce water is used to embalm the dead in wet sand, a centuries-old African tradition to preserve a body until family members gather for the burial.
"There's nothing here. People are dying of illness and hunger. Burial parties are going out every day," said Michael Zava, a trader in Mhangura.
The hospital that serves the district is closed, and so is its small morgue, so there's no way of telling how many are dying, Zava said. Children's hair is discoloring, a sign of malnutrition. Adults are wizened and dressed in rags — they have no cash for new clothes.
Zava said he has seen villagers plucking undigested corn kernels from cow dung to wash and eat. A slaughtered goat is eaten down to everything but hooves, bones and teeth. Crickets, cicadas and beetles also can make a meal.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Elders to visit Zimbabwe despite government snub
20 November 2008
A showdown is looming between the Mugabe regime and the globally respected group of Elders. The group, led by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said it will be going ahead with plans to visit Zimbabwe to assess the escalating humanitarian crisis. This is in spite of reports in the state controlled Herald newspaper saying the group had been told to postpone their intended visit.
A spokesperson for the group told SW Radio Africa on Thursday “there is no change of plan” and the mission will be arriving in Zimbabwe on Saturday. The spokesperson said: “The Elders have written to President Mugabe to seek a meeting in Harare, but have received no formal reply.”
Annan will be joined by former United States President Jimmy Carter, and international advocate for women and children’s rights Graça Machel - wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela. They have experience in conflict resolution and belong to a group of prominent personalities and former statesmen, who include Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The delegates say the purpose of the visit is to meet those working on the ground to better assess the extent of the crisis and how assistance can be improved.
But, according to the Herald a ‘government’ source said the group was advised to delay the visit claiming this was not a convenient time “as Zimbabwe was currently occupied with the ongoing inclusive government talks and preparations for the summer cropping season.”
The regime also accuses the Elders of having some members, such as Annan and Tutu, who are hostile to them and who favour the Tsvangirai MDC.
However in a statement issued on Thursday Annan stressed: "We have sought meetings with political leaders in Zimbabwe and would be pleased to hear their views. As we said earlier, we have no intention of becoming involved in the ongoing political negotiations in Zimbabwe. My colleagues and I look forward to our visit."
The news comes as the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights announced on Thursday that there is an extremely serious situation in Zimbabwe that has resulted in the total collapse of the health delivery system.
Many hospitals throughout the country have been forced to shut down, while sick patients go home and often simply die. In Harare alone the two government maternity hospitals are closed, putting the lives of pregnant women in grave danger.
Aid groups and journalists say the situation in the country is beyond belief, with Zimbabweans burying family members almost everyday and spending the rest of their time in queues for food, fuel and cash.
Associated Press correspondent Angus Shaw says starving villagers are competing with wild animals for fruits and berries and that many are dying from malnutrition.
It is reports like this that have left many people wondering why the Mugabe regime would try and block this group of globally respected leaders, who want to offer their experience and independent voices to support innovative and cooperative approaches to addressing the problems.
Journalist Innocent Chofamba writes: These are mature diplomats whose operational strategy is not to appear disagreeable to the people they seek to engage - otherwise how do you bridge gaps and facilitate conciliation? It is obvious that their mission is not to come for the mere pointless satisfaction of announcing on Zimbabwean soil their 'utter condemnation' of the regime. Zimbabwe's foreign policy right now appears utterly uncreative and still locked in the Third Chimurenga propagandistic mode. You don't rubbish everyone and tell them off because you think they report to 'imperialist masters'.”
Civic leader Jenni Williams said people are desperate for the Elders to go to Zimbabwe but their mission must be more than just issuing a report. “One of the key considerations right now is that they should be considering finding pilots brave enough to fly over Zimbabwe and to just drop food. This is how crucial this catastrophe is and if they can organise things like that, that will be a step further than just writing reports,” the leader of Women of Zimbabwe Arise said.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans will have to brace themselves for another round of negotiations between the political rivals. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the facilitator of the Zimbabwe talks, has summoned the negotiators representing the three main parties to South Africa next week, to discuss the draft of the Constitutional Amendment Number 19 Bill. The Tsvangirai MDC claim the draft was sent to Mbeki by Zanu PF, who compiled it without consulting the MDC.
The MDC said: “As far as we are concerned, the draft that has been sent to Mbeki is a Zanu PF document with Zanu PF perspectives. Our draft is also ready and will be sent to Mbeki for consideration. The final Bill to be tabled before parliament should be inclusive of the three main political parties' views.”
A showdown is looming between the Mugabe regime and the globally respected group of Elders. The group, led by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said it will be going ahead with plans to visit Zimbabwe to assess the escalating humanitarian crisis. This is in spite of reports in the state controlled Herald newspaper saying the group had been told to postpone their intended visit.
A spokesperson for the group told SW Radio Africa on Thursday “there is no change of plan” and the mission will be arriving in Zimbabwe on Saturday. The spokesperson said: “The Elders have written to President Mugabe to seek a meeting in Harare, but have received no formal reply.”
Annan will be joined by former United States President Jimmy Carter, and international advocate for women and children’s rights Graça Machel - wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela. They have experience in conflict resolution and belong to a group of prominent personalities and former statesmen, who include Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The delegates say the purpose of the visit is to meet those working on the ground to better assess the extent of the crisis and how assistance can be improved.
But, according to the Herald a ‘government’ source said the group was advised to delay the visit claiming this was not a convenient time “as Zimbabwe was currently occupied with the ongoing inclusive government talks and preparations for the summer cropping season.”
The regime also accuses the Elders of having some members, such as Annan and Tutu, who are hostile to them and who favour the Tsvangirai MDC.
However in a statement issued on Thursday Annan stressed: "We have sought meetings with political leaders in Zimbabwe and would be pleased to hear their views. As we said earlier, we have no intention of becoming involved in the ongoing political negotiations in Zimbabwe. My colleagues and I look forward to our visit."
The news comes as the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights announced on Thursday that there is an extremely serious situation in Zimbabwe that has resulted in the total collapse of the health delivery system.
Many hospitals throughout the country have been forced to shut down, while sick patients go home and often simply die. In Harare alone the two government maternity hospitals are closed, putting the lives of pregnant women in grave danger.
Aid groups and journalists say the situation in the country is beyond belief, with Zimbabweans burying family members almost everyday and spending the rest of their time in queues for food, fuel and cash.
Associated Press correspondent Angus Shaw says starving villagers are competing with wild animals for fruits and berries and that many are dying from malnutrition.
It is reports like this that have left many people wondering why the Mugabe regime would try and block this group of globally respected leaders, who want to offer their experience and independent voices to support innovative and cooperative approaches to addressing the problems.
Journalist Innocent Chofamba writes: These are mature diplomats whose operational strategy is not to appear disagreeable to the people they seek to engage - otherwise how do you bridge gaps and facilitate conciliation? It is obvious that their mission is not to come for the mere pointless satisfaction of announcing on Zimbabwean soil their 'utter condemnation' of the regime. Zimbabwe's foreign policy right now appears utterly uncreative and still locked in the Third Chimurenga propagandistic mode. You don't rubbish everyone and tell them off because you think they report to 'imperialist masters'.”
Civic leader Jenni Williams said people are desperate for the Elders to go to Zimbabwe but their mission must be more than just issuing a report. “One of the key considerations right now is that they should be considering finding pilots brave enough to fly over Zimbabwe and to just drop food. This is how crucial this catastrophe is and if they can organise things like that, that will be a step further than just writing reports,” the leader of Women of Zimbabwe Arise said.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans will have to brace themselves for another round of negotiations between the political rivals. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the facilitator of the Zimbabwe talks, has summoned the negotiators representing the three main parties to South Africa next week, to discuss the draft of the Constitutional Amendment Number 19 Bill. The Tsvangirai MDC claim the draft was sent to Mbeki by Zanu PF, who compiled it without consulting the MDC.
The MDC said: “As far as we are concerned, the draft that has been sent to Mbeki is a Zanu PF document with Zanu PF perspectives. Our draft is also ready and will be sent to Mbeki for consideration. The final Bill to be tabled before parliament should be inclusive of the three main political parties' views.”
African leaders "quiet for far too long" - Obama
Thursday, 20 November 2008
CHICAGO - US presidential candidate Barack Obama said last week that the international community must do more to try to help resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis and to pressure President Robert Mugabe who is clinging to power, reports Reuters.
Obama singled out South Africa as one country that needs to apply more pressure on Mugabe, said the news agency.
"What's happening in Zimbabwe is tragic. This is a country that used to be the bread basket of Africa. Mugabe has run the economy into the ground. He has perpetrated extraordinary violence against his own people," Obama told a news conference in Chicago.
"Not only do I think that the United Nations needs to continue to apply as much pressure as possible on the Mugabe government, but in particular other African nations, including South Africa, I think have to be much more forceful in condemning the extraordinary violence that's been taking place there," Obama said.
"And frankly, they have been quiet for far too long and allowed Mugabe to engage in this sort of anti-colonial rhetoric that is used to distract from his own profound failures as a leader," he added.
"What is remaining of this election is a complete and total sham," Obama said, echoing US President George W. Bush"
I don't think that whatever the results of this election on Friday, that Mugabe will be able to claim any sort of legitimacy as a democratically elected leader in Zimbabwe," he added.
CHICAGO - US presidential candidate Barack Obama said last week that the international community must do more to try to help resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis and to pressure President Robert Mugabe who is clinging to power, reports Reuters.
Obama singled out South Africa as one country that needs to apply more pressure on Mugabe, said the news agency.
"What's happening in Zimbabwe is tragic. This is a country that used to be the bread basket of Africa. Mugabe has run the economy into the ground. He has perpetrated extraordinary violence against his own people," Obama told a news conference in Chicago.
"Not only do I think that the United Nations needs to continue to apply as much pressure as possible on the Mugabe government, but in particular other African nations, including South Africa, I think have to be much more forceful in condemning the extraordinary violence that's been taking place there," Obama said.
"And frankly, they have been quiet for far too long and allowed Mugabe to engage in this sort of anti-colonial rhetoric that is used to distract from his own profound failures as a leader," he added.
"What is remaining of this election is a complete and total sham," Obama said, echoing US President George W. Bush"
I don't think that whatever the results of this election on Friday, that Mugabe will be able to claim any sort of legitimacy as a democratically elected leader in Zimbabwe," he added.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Many dying from malnutrition in Mashonaland West
19 November 2008
Areas in the north west of Zimbabwe such as Chinhoyi, Karoi, Banket, Mhangura and Doma, were once prolific food producing areas and the breadbasket of the country, but there is no food there now. Associated Press correspondent Angus Shaw, who returned from this province recently, says shocking scenes from the food catastrophe are unfolding.
He said; “We saw people scratching in the ground for mealie meal pips that have fallen off the backs of vehicles. We even saw some people searching in cow dung for maize kernels that had not been digested by the cattle... and they wash them and add them to a tiny plastic bag that they carry – until they have enough to actually make a meal.”
The correspondent said the whole food chain has been disrupted, resulting in villagers competing with wild animals for roots and wild fruits. Shaw said all small animals have been poached in North of Doma, so baboons and jackals are coming down into the communities to find wild fruits, while lions are preying on donkeys and the few cattle and goats that are left.
At one school in Doma village enrollment is down to four pupils, from 20, and desperate parents who can manage to keep their children in school pay fees with chickens or goats.
Shaw said in areas like Mhangura and Doma information is almost as scarce as food.Cell phones operate only sporadically and many people can’t even hear state radio because of power cuts or broken down radio relay beacons. The hospital and mortuary have closed down and water has been intermittent for four months.
The AFP correspondent said: “Some of the scarce water is used to embalm the dead in wet sand, a centuries-old African tradition to preserve a body until family members gather for the burial.”It’s difficult to know how many people are dying as all semblance of local government and civil service has totally collapsed. Shaw said in the areas he visited there are no death or birth registries. “It’s merely anecdotal evidence and there are no statistics from hospitals because hospitals are closed.”
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme has signed a new, two year, US$500-million aid deal to ‘allow’ them to supply food to economically and politically ravaged Zimbabwe. The WFP said the money will provide 350 000 tons of food to the most vulnerable groups. It’s reported that two thirds of the 350 000 tons had already been secured and was being distributed. The UN agency estimates that at least half the population – five million people – face starvation by January.
Areas in the north west of Zimbabwe such as Chinhoyi, Karoi, Banket, Mhangura and Doma, were once prolific food producing areas and the breadbasket of the country, but there is no food there now. Associated Press correspondent Angus Shaw, who returned from this province recently, says shocking scenes from the food catastrophe are unfolding.
He said; “We saw people scratching in the ground for mealie meal pips that have fallen off the backs of vehicles. We even saw some people searching in cow dung for maize kernels that had not been digested by the cattle... and they wash them and add them to a tiny plastic bag that they carry – until they have enough to actually make a meal.”
The correspondent said the whole food chain has been disrupted, resulting in villagers competing with wild animals for roots and wild fruits. Shaw said all small animals have been poached in North of Doma, so baboons and jackals are coming down into the communities to find wild fruits, while lions are preying on donkeys and the few cattle and goats that are left.
At one school in Doma village enrollment is down to four pupils, from 20, and desperate parents who can manage to keep their children in school pay fees with chickens or goats.
Shaw said in areas like Mhangura and Doma information is almost as scarce as food.Cell phones operate only sporadically and many people can’t even hear state radio because of power cuts or broken down radio relay beacons. The hospital and mortuary have closed down and water has been intermittent for four months.
The AFP correspondent said: “Some of the scarce water is used to embalm the dead in wet sand, a centuries-old African tradition to preserve a body until family members gather for the burial.”It’s difficult to know how many people are dying as all semblance of local government and civil service has totally collapsed. Shaw said in the areas he visited there are no death or birth registries. “It’s merely anecdotal evidence and there are no statistics from hospitals because hospitals are closed.”
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme has signed a new, two year, US$500-million aid deal to ‘allow’ them to supply food to economically and politically ravaged Zimbabwe. The WFP said the money will provide 350 000 tons of food to the most vulnerable groups. It’s reported that two thirds of the 350 000 tons had already been secured and was being distributed. The UN agency estimates that at least half the population – five million people – face starvation by January.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Police violently disrupt hospital demo
November 18, 2008
The police before they charged.
By Raymond Maingire
HARARE – Anti-riot police on Tuesday violently disrupted a protest march by hundreds of disgruntled workers from Harare hospitals as they sought to register with the authorities their mounting concern over the collapse of Zimbabwe’s health delivery system.
The police blocked a peaceful march by more than 700 hospital workers who attempted to leave Parirenyatwa Hospital to present a petition to the Minister of Health, Dr David Parirenyatwa at his offices at Mukwati Building in the city.
The marchers comprised doctors, nurses, nurse aids and general workers from Harare, Parirenyatwa and Chitungwiza hospitals.
According to Dr Simba Ndoda, the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, there were representatives from Chinhoyi and Kadoma hospitals, which have also been forced to close down due to the crisis.
Relating the incident over the phone, Dr Ndoda said the police descended on the marchers in the hospital grounds and assaulted them.
“The police beat us thoroughly,” he said, “They stopped us as we were about to exit the grounds of Parirenyatwa and they beat us up and followed right into the nurses’ homes.
“As I am speaking, we are in hiding at Harare Hospital. We hear police are looking for us.”
He said police had initially informed the protestors not to proceed with the march “for political reasons” as they feared it had potential to grow into fully blown riots by disgruntled Zimbabweans.
Said Dr Ndoda, “We had asked for approval to go ahead with the march but the police denied us permission, citing political reasons. The police said they feared some people would join the march and the situation would become uncontrollable.
“We wanted people to now the real reasons why doctors are on strike. The State media is quick to misinform the public that doctors are insensitive to the plight of ordinary people who are dying in their thousands in hospitals because of the strike by doctors.
“We wanted people to know that while we have genuine reasons to go on strike because of perennially poor working conditions, it is still not possible for us to perform our duties as there is nothing to use.”
According to Dr Ndoda, almost 99 percent of Zimbabweans rely on government hospitals.
Primrose Matambanadzo, Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights co-coordinator said Tuesday’s march was more than a strike by hospital workers.
“This was more than a strike,” she said.
“A strike is where you stop going to work for one simple reason. This time we are decrying the total collapse of the whole health system.
“This is an issue where we have all reasons to be concerned. We cannot continue to watch helplessly while patients die in thousands.
“Doctors have been on strike for weeks but nothing is being done to address the situation.”
She said an earlier meeting with the permanent secretary of health to register their concerns did not bear any fruit as nothing was done to address the situation.”
By the time of going to press, there were no official reports of any arrests or casualties.
But baton-wielding anti-riot policemen continued to cordon off the whole Parirenyatwa hospital premises late into the afternoon. Police trucks were patrolling the grounds.
Zimbabwe’s government hospitals stopped operating nearly three weeks ago due to a strike by doctors over poor working conditions.
Critically ill patients have been turned away ever since. An emergency room is in operation at Parirenyatwa hospital.
Mpilo hospital, Bulawayo’s biggest hospital also closed last Wednesday, citing similar reasons.
Thousands of patients are being referred to private hospitals which charge for their services in US dollars.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Minister of Health Dr Parirenyatwa were fruitless.
But government still maintains the health situation in the country is still under control as the country’s central bank is being tasked to procure scarce drugs from abroad.
The police before they charged.
By Raymond Maingire
HARARE – Anti-riot police on Tuesday violently disrupted a protest march by hundreds of disgruntled workers from Harare hospitals as they sought to register with the authorities their mounting concern over the collapse of Zimbabwe’s health delivery system.
The police blocked a peaceful march by more than 700 hospital workers who attempted to leave Parirenyatwa Hospital to present a petition to the Minister of Health, Dr David Parirenyatwa at his offices at Mukwati Building in the city.
The marchers comprised doctors, nurses, nurse aids and general workers from Harare, Parirenyatwa and Chitungwiza hospitals.
According to Dr Simba Ndoda, the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, there were representatives from Chinhoyi and Kadoma hospitals, which have also been forced to close down due to the crisis.
Relating the incident over the phone, Dr Ndoda said the police descended on the marchers in the hospital grounds and assaulted them.
“The police beat us thoroughly,” he said, “They stopped us as we were about to exit the grounds of Parirenyatwa and they beat us up and followed right into the nurses’ homes.
“As I am speaking, we are in hiding at Harare Hospital. We hear police are looking for us.”
He said police had initially informed the protestors not to proceed with the march “for political reasons” as they feared it had potential to grow into fully blown riots by disgruntled Zimbabweans.
Said Dr Ndoda, “We had asked for approval to go ahead with the march but the police denied us permission, citing political reasons. The police said they feared some people would join the march and the situation would become uncontrollable.
“We wanted people to now the real reasons why doctors are on strike. The State media is quick to misinform the public that doctors are insensitive to the plight of ordinary people who are dying in their thousands in hospitals because of the strike by doctors.
“We wanted people to know that while we have genuine reasons to go on strike because of perennially poor working conditions, it is still not possible for us to perform our duties as there is nothing to use.”
According to Dr Ndoda, almost 99 percent of Zimbabweans rely on government hospitals.
Primrose Matambanadzo, Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights co-coordinator said Tuesday’s march was more than a strike by hospital workers.
“This was more than a strike,” she said.
“A strike is where you stop going to work for one simple reason. This time we are decrying the total collapse of the whole health system.
“This is an issue where we have all reasons to be concerned. We cannot continue to watch helplessly while patients die in thousands.
“Doctors have been on strike for weeks but nothing is being done to address the situation.”
She said an earlier meeting with the permanent secretary of health to register their concerns did not bear any fruit as nothing was done to address the situation.”
By the time of going to press, there were no official reports of any arrests or casualties.
But baton-wielding anti-riot policemen continued to cordon off the whole Parirenyatwa hospital premises late into the afternoon. Police trucks were patrolling the grounds.
Zimbabwe’s government hospitals stopped operating nearly three weeks ago due to a strike by doctors over poor working conditions.
Critically ill patients have been turned away ever since. An emergency room is in operation at Parirenyatwa hospital.
Mpilo hospital, Bulawayo’s biggest hospital also closed last Wednesday, citing similar reasons.
Thousands of patients are being referred to private hospitals which charge for their services in US dollars.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Minister of Health Dr Parirenyatwa were fruitless.
But government still maintains the health situation in the country is still under control as the country’s central bank is being tasked to procure scarce drugs from abroad.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Fears grow for missing MDC activists & supporters
Friday, 14 November 2008 01:56
MDC supporters cheer as it became apparent that ZANU-Pf had been defeated during the March 29 electionsThe opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says it fears for the lives of 12 of its members arrested two weeks ago as their whereabouts remain unknown after the police failed to bring them to court despite a High Court order issued on Tuesday.
The 12 were arrested in pre-dawn raids at their homes in Banket, Chinhoyi but the party, its lawyers and relatives have been denied access to them. The people who arrested them looted property and party regalia during the raid. "The continued violence against MDC members is testimony that the leopard has not changed its spots.
The regime has begun a systematic crackdown on the largest party in the country as it tries in vain to solidify trumped-up charges of banditry and terrorism against MDC supporters," said the MDC in a statement. Over 250 MDC activists have been brutally murdered by suspected Zanu PF militia and State security agents since March election in which MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated President Robert Mugabe.
Among the 12 detained MDC activists is Concilia Chinanzvavana, the Women's Assembly provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West and her husband, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana. Concilia was the MDC parliamentary candidate for Zvimba South constituency during the harmonised elections held in March while her husband is an elected councillor in Banket.
"We believe that Zanu PF must begin to show respect for human life. Since 1980, Zanu PF has not shown any respect for the sanctity of human life and the rule of law. The unlawful arrests, detentions and abductions of MDC supporters should cease as a matter of urgency. We are comforted by the fact that the people of Zimbabwe will win their battle against tyranny," said the MDC.
High Court Judge Justice Charles Hungwe ruled that the detained be brought to court at or before 4 MP on Tuesday, but the police did not comply with the order. Justice Hungwe also ruled that the police should allow the detained people access to their lawyers, their relatives and should receive medical treatment at medical facilities of their choice.
However, the High Court also ordered that the continued detention of the 12 was "unlawful" as it was beyond the Statutory 96 hour period. It also ordered the respondents in the case, Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi, Commissioner General of the Police, Augustine Chihuri, the Officer Commanding Homicide, Chief Superintendent Crispen Makedenge and Detective Constable Muuya to abide by the ruling.
MDC supporters cheer as it became apparent that ZANU-Pf had been defeated during the March 29 electionsThe opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says it fears for the lives of 12 of its members arrested two weeks ago as their whereabouts remain unknown after the police failed to bring them to court despite a High Court order issued on Tuesday.
The 12 were arrested in pre-dawn raids at their homes in Banket, Chinhoyi but the party, its lawyers and relatives have been denied access to them. The people who arrested them looted property and party regalia during the raid. "The continued violence against MDC members is testimony that the leopard has not changed its spots.
The regime has begun a systematic crackdown on the largest party in the country as it tries in vain to solidify trumped-up charges of banditry and terrorism against MDC supporters," said the MDC in a statement. Over 250 MDC activists have been brutally murdered by suspected Zanu PF militia and State security agents since March election in which MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated President Robert Mugabe.
Among the 12 detained MDC activists is Concilia Chinanzvavana, the Women's Assembly provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West and her husband, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana. Concilia was the MDC parliamentary candidate for Zvimba South constituency during the harmonised elections held in March while her husband is an elected councillor in Banket.
"We believe that Zanu PF must begin to show respect for human life. Since 1980, Zanu PF has not shown any respect for the sanctity of human life and the rule of law. The unlawful arrests, detentions and abductions of MDC supporters should cease as a matter of urgency. We are comforted by the fact that the people of Zimbabwe will win their battle against tyranny," said the MDC.
High Court Judge Justice Charles Hungwe ruled that the detained be brought to court at or before 4 MP on Tuesday, but the police did not comply with the order. Justice Hungwe also ruled that the police should allow the detained people access to their lawyers, their relatives and should receive medical treatment at medical facilities of their choice.
However, the High Court also ordered that the continued detention of the 12 was "unlawful" as it was beyond the Statutory 96 hour period. It also ordered the respondents in the case, Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi, Commissioner General of the Police, Augustine Chihuri, the Officer Commanding Homicide, Chief Superintendent Crispen Makedenge and Detective Constable Muuya to abide by the ruling.
Monday, November 10, 2008
MDC Statement
Statement from the Movement For Democratic Change on the outcome of the SADC Extra ordinary summit on the Zimbabwe dialogue
The Extraordinary Summit of the SADC leadership, held on the 9th November 2008, has just concluded with the resolution that a Government of National Unity be formed immediately in Zimbabwe and furthermore that the Ministry of Home Affairs be co-ministered between the MDC and Zanu PF.In addition, the SADC leadership have stated that Constitutional Amendment 19, which would provide the legal framework for the agreement, should be drafted as soon as possible, but only after the new government has been formed.
With greatest respect to SADC, the issues before them, which were not resolved by the facilitator's various visits to Zimbabwe and by the Troika meeting held in Harare on 27th October 2008, centred around thefollowing:
• The equitability and fairness in the allocation and distribution of all ministerial portfolios.
• The immediate agreement and legal passage of Constitutional Amendment 19
• The constitution and composition of the National Security Council
• The equitable allocation of Provincial Governors
• The fraudulent changing of the Global Political Agreement between its acceptance by the principals on 11th September 2008, and the signing of the same on 15th September, 2008
The MDC is shocked and saddened that the SADC Summit has failed to tackle these key issues .Firstly, the principle of equity and fairness. It is the MDCs position that any coalition or cooperative government has to be based on genuine power sharing of portfolio allocations. In this regard, we had proposed a formula which seeks to pair various ministries on the basis of relative parity. Thus, in our view, to the extent that Zanu PF had allocated itself the portfolios of defence and state security, it only made sense that the Ministry of Home Affairs should go to the MDC.
Equally, this methodology was suggested and communicated to the facilitator in writing on Wednesday the 15th October , to the Troika on the 27 October 2008 and to the SADC Executive Secretary on 30 October, 2008. Thus SADC knew fully our position.
Secondly, we had also made it clear that the issue of the enactment of Constitutional Amendment 19 was a precondition to the formation of any new government. More importantly, the offices being created in theglobal political agreement, such as that of the Prime Minister, could only come into being with Constitutional Amendment 19. Events after the 15th September 2008, in respect of which serious lack of sincerity has been displayed by Zanu PF, demonstrated quite clearly that one could not proceed on the basis of good faith in a government not grounded on a legal foundation. Thus the question of Constitutional Amendment 19 cannot be postponed as it is not a question of procedure but rather an issue of substance.
Furthermore, in a political environment such as ours, poisoned by lack of a paradigm shift by Zanu PF, lack of sincerity and utter contempt towards the MDC and the wishes of the people, quite clearly the concept of co-ministering cannot work. In any event, what is the rational of proposing a co-ministry only in relation to the Home Affairs portfolio in total oblivion to Defence and State Security which Zanu PF already holds.
In our view a great opportunity has been missed by SADC to bring an end to the Zimbabwean Crisis. This omission has occurred because SADC approached this summit without any concrete strategy and did not have the courage and the decency of looking Mr Mugabe in the eyes and telling him that his position was wrong.
For the record, in today's meeting it had been agreed that all the Zimbabwean principals would recuse themselves to allow an open and unfettered dialogue to take place amongst the SADC leaders. However, Mr Mugabe refused and the Chairman of SADC did not tell him to leave.Thus, Mr Mugabe became a judge in his own case.
Perversely, pressure was brought to bear on the MDC, a party that won an election but has shown compromise and political maturity in these negotiations rather than the party that lost an election and has flouted the spirit and substance of the agreement, namely Zanu PF.
The failure of this summit to acknowledge the only fair and rational solution with regard to equitable power sharing, places the Zimbabwean people in a quandary. It is no exaggeration when I say that the needless suffering being experienced by millions of Zimbabweans every day is unprecedented in our country's history.
It is precisely because of this that we remain committed to the agreement signed 15th September. It is precisely because of this that we cannot accept any arrangement that does not allow the MDC to effectively contribute to ending this suffering.
I would like to put out that the failure to consummate and implement the Global Political Agreement means that there is no legitimacy on any government or any person purporting to be Head of State. In short, Mr Mugabe is not the President of Zimbabwe without this agreement.
Given this dangerous and precarious situation and the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe we hope and pray that the guarantors of the agreement, in particular progressive members of SADC and the African Union, will now move very quickly to try and salvage this agreement.
We remain committed to the agreement and peaceful resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis and I am hopeful that sooner, rather than later, the democratic voice and vote of the Zimbabwean people will be heard and respected by our African institutions.
Until that day, the MDC will continue to stand with the people of Zimbabwe, for it is from them that we derive our legitimacy, and because of them, that we remain resolute in our struggle for democracy.
Thank you
Morgan Tsvangirai
President Movement for Democratic Change
The Extraordinary Summit of the SADC leadership, held on the 9th November 2008, has just concluded with the resolution that a Government of National Unity be formed immediately in Zimbabwe and furthermore that the Ministry of Home Affairs be co-ministered between the MDC and Zanu PF.In addition, the SADC leadership have stated that Constitutional Amendment 19, which would provide the legal framework for the agreement, should be drafted as soon as possible, but only after the new government has been formed.
With greatest respect to SADC, the issues before them, which were not resolved by the facilitator's various visits to Zimbabwe and by the Troika meeting held in Harare on 27th October 2008, centred around thefollowing:
• The equitability and fairness in the allocation and distribution of all ministerial portfolios.
• The immediate agreement and legal passage of Constitutional Amendment 19
• The constitution and composition of the National Security Council
• The equitable allocation of Provincial Governors
• The fraudulent changing of the Global Political Agreement between its acceptance by the principals on 11th September 2008, and the signing of the same on 15th September, 2008
The MDC is shocked and saddened that the SADC Summit has failed to tackle these key issues .Firstly, the principle of equity and fairness. It is the MDCs position that any coalition or cooperative government has to be based on genuine power sharing of portfolio allocations. In this regard, we had proposed a formula which seeks to pair various ministries on the basis of relative parity. Thus, in our view, to the extent that Zanu PF had allocated itself the portfolios of defence and state security, it only made sense that the Ministry of Home Affairs should go to the MDC.
Equally, this methodology was suggested and communicated to the facilitator in writing on Wednesday the 15th October , to the Troika on the 27 October 2008 and to the SADC Executive Secretary on 30 October, 2008. Thus SADC knew fully our position.
Secondly, we had also made it clear that the issue of the enactment of Constitutional Amendment 19 was a precondition to the formation of any new government. More importantly, the offices being created in theglobal political agreement, such as that of the Prime Minister, could only come into being with Constitutional Amendment 19. Events after the 15th September 2008, in respect of which serious lack of sincerity has been displayed by Zanu PF, demonstrated quite clearly that one could not proceed on the basis of good faith in a government not grounded on a legal foundation. Thus the question of Constitutional Amendment 19 cannot be postponed as it is not a question of procedure but rather an issue of substance.
Furthermore, in a political environment such as ours, poisoned by lack of a paradigm shift by Zanu PF, lack of sincerity and utter contempt towards the MDC and the wishes of the people, quite clearly the concept of co-ministering cannot work. In any event, what is the rational of proposing a co-ministry only in relation to the Home Affairs portfolio in total oblivion to Defence and State Security which Zanu PF already holds.
In our view a great opportunity has been missed by SADC to bring an end to the Zimbabwean Crisis. This omission has occurred because SADC approached this summit without any concrete strategy and did not have the courage and the decency of looking Mr Mugabe in the eyes and telling him that his position was wrong.
For the record, in today's meeting it had been agreed that all the Zimbabwean principals would recuse themselves to allow an open and unfettered dialogue to take place amongst the SADC leaders. However, Mr Mugabe refused and the Chairman of SADC did not tell him to leave.Thus, Mr Mugabe became a judge in his own case.
Perversely, pressure was brought to bear on the MDC, a party that won an election but has shown compromise and political maturity in these negotiations rather than the party that lost an election and has flouted the spirit and substance of the agreement, namely Zanu PF.
The failure of this summit to acknowledge the only fair and rational solution with regard to equitable power sharing, places the Zimbabwean people in a quandary. It is no exaggeration when I say that the needless suffering being experienced by millions of Zimbabweans every day is unprecedented in our country's history.
It is precisely because of this that we remain committed to the agreement signed 15th September. It is precisely because of this that we cannot accept any arrangement that does not allow the MDC to effectively contribute to ending this suffering.
I would like to put out that the failure to consummate and implement the Global Political Agreement means that there is no legitimacy on any government or any person purporting to be Head of State. In short, Mr Mugabe is not the President of Zimbabwe without this agreement.
Given this dangerous and precarious situation and the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe we hope and pray that the guarantors of the agreement, in particular progressive members of SADC and the African Union, will now move very quickly to try and salvage this agreement.
We remain committed to the agreement and peaceful resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis and I am hopeful that sooner, rather than later, the democratic voice and vote of the Zimbabwean people will be heard and respected by our African institutions.
Until that day, the MDC will continue to stand with the people of Zimbabwe, for it is from them that we derive our legitimacy, and because of them, that we remain resolute in our struggle for democracy.
Thank you
Morgan Tsvangirai
President Movement for Democratic Change
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Southern African Development Community protest
A Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporter holds a placard as they protest outside the venue of Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting in Sandton November 9, 2008. Southern African leaders opened a regional summit on Zimbabwe in South Africa on Sunday, hoping to break a deadlock over the allocation of cabinet posts which has prevented formation of a power-sharing government. The 15-nation SADC meeting is trying to end the impasse between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and put into effect a power-sharing deal reached in September.
A policemen tries to control Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters outside the venue of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting in Sandton November 9, 2008.
A Movement for Democratic change (MDC) supporter carries a mock coffin as he protests outside the venue of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting in Sandton November 9, 2008.
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters carry a mock coffin as they protest outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting in Sandton November 9, 2008.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Botswana Govt reiterates stance on Zimbabwe crisis
Saturday, 08 November 2008 16:59
GABORONE - The deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe left Botswana with no choice, but to openly express her concern and make calls for Zimbabwean authorities to create a conducive climate to holding free and fair elections.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani said this during a lecture on Botswana's position with respect to the power sharing deal and lessons on quite diplomacy at the University of Botswana this week. Mr Skelemani explained that relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe have been underpinned by a common cultural and historical heritage as well as geography.
"The period following the first round was marked by serious acts of politically motivated violence and intimidation, including repeated arrests and detention of one of the candidates, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai," he mentioned.Regrettably, he noted that there was no change as politically motivated violence, arrests, harassment and intimidation continued, leading to the withdrawal of the MDC leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai from the presidential run off election.
After the one man presidential run off, Mr Skelemani noted that as a country that practices democracy and the rule of law, Botswana found that it could not, recognise the outcome of the Zimbabwean presidential run-off election, and called on other SADC member states to do the same.
"Our decision was based on the fact that the legal process of producing a government in Zimbabwe had failed and those who claimed to represent Zimbabwe at the political level should be excluded from attending SADC and Africa Union meetings," he highlighted.
Mr Skelemani said that other SADC members, for reasons best known to them, held a different view.The minister explained that they supported the mediation of former South African president, Mr Thabo Mbeki in the hope that the negotiations would bear fruit.
He also mentioned that Botswana welcomed the power sharing deal signed on September 15 to pave way for the formation of a government of national unity.
Regrettably, Mr Skelemani explained that the deal has not borne any fruit as parties remain deadlocked over allocation of ministerial portfolios.
"Botswana is therefore of the view that should the present deadlock continue without resolution, the only viable solution to the political impasse is a re- run of the presidential run-off election under international supervision," Mr Skelemani said. He said that Botswana employed quite diplomacy because she thought things would turn out for the better.The country resorted to speaking out after realising that the situation had reached crisis proportions. BOPA
GABORONE - The deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe left Botswana with no choice, but to openly express her concern and make calls for Zimbabwean authorities to create a conducive climate to holding free and fair elections.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani said this during a lecture on Botswana's position with respect to the power sharing deal and lessons on quite diplomacy at the University of Botswana this week. Mr Skelemani explained that relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe have been underpinned by a common cultural and historical heritage as well as geography.
"The period following the first round was marked by serious acts of politically motivated violence and intimidation, including repeated arrests and detention of one of the candidates, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai," he mentioned.Regrettably, he noted that there was no change as politically motivated violence, arrests, harassment and intimidation continued, leading to the withdrawal of the MDC leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai from the presidential run off election.
After the one man presidential run off, Mr Skelemani noted that as a country that practices democracy and the rule of law, Botswana found that it could not, recognise the outcome of the Zimbabwean presidential run-off election, and called on other SADC member states to do the same.
"Our decision was based on the fact that the legal process of producing a government in Zimbabwe had failed and those who claimed to represent Zimbabwe at the political level should be excluded from attending SADC and Africa Union meetings," he highlighted.
Mr Skelemani said that other SADC members, for reasons best known to them, held a different view.The minister explained that they supported the mediation of former South African president, Mr Thabo Mbeki in the hope that the negotiations would bear fruit.
He also mentioned that Botswana welcomed the power sharing deal signed on September 15 to pave way for the formation of a government of national unity.
Regrettably, Mr Skelemani explained that the deal has not borne any fruit as parties remain deadlocked over allocation of ministerial portfolios.
"Botswana is therefore of the view that should the present deadlock continue without resolution, the only viable solution to the political impasse is a re- run of the presidential run-off election under international supervision," Mr Skelemani said. He said that Botswana employed quite diplomacy because she thought things would turn out for the better.The country resorted to speaking out after realising that the situation had reached crisis proportions. BOPA
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)