unfolding political crisis in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean authorities’ refusal to hold dialogue with the opposition has already shattered the hopes for easing looming tensions between the two rivals.
“Political reform is not necessary in my country because we are a democracy like any other democracy in the world,” Patrick Chinamasa, Zimbabwean Minister of Justice told reporters in Lusaka.
SADC has been blamed for its failure to put the Mugabe regime to task for gross violation of rights of its citizens, particularly politicians, right activists and journalists.
SADC Executive Secretary, Tomaz Salomao, told journalists that it was about time that the 14-member regional grouping started to become hard on Zimbabwe.
South African President, Thabo Mbeki, who was tasked by SADC to bring sanity between Mugabe and his opponents, has been accused of employing “quiet diplomacy” in handling the critical Zimbabwean crisis.
President Mbeki’s progress report on the country’s crisis is expected to determine SADC’s line of action against the Zimbabwean regime.
The Zimbabwean crisis has placed burden on the neighbouring countries, especially South Africa where thousands of political and economic migrants flee on a daily basis.
Zambian President, Levy Mwanawasa, was hailed for being the first African leader to openly grill Mugabe, doubting why a country once seen as a potent of African liberation symbol has turned into a “sinking Titanic.“
SADC Council of Ministers are also expected to advise the member states to either belong to SADC or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) instead of both. The body’s member states would be accorded time to research before choosing either SADC or COMESA.
The ministers’ council blamed sanctions by the international community [EU slammed travel ban on top Zimbabwean officials and froze their assets in EU banks] for worsening the economic situation in Zimbabwe.
Despite international bashing, President Mugabe continue to enjoy rapturous welcome. Like Ghanaians, Zambians also accorded Mugabe with hero’s welcome, clapping and singing praises in his honour as he landed Lusaka for the summit.
The Zambian President, Levy Mwanawasa, asked summit delegates to be “mindful” of the difficulties Zimbabweans face.
President Mwanawasa, who is waiting to chair SADC, urged Zimbabweans “to retain unity and safeguard your hard-won independence”.
“My advice to my brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe is: maintain peace and stability at all costs,” he said while delivering a welcome speech.
afrol News