Intervene decisively on the Zimbabwe crisis to prevent insurrection

Speaking at a press conference held in Johannesburg on Thursday ZSF coordinator Sipho Theys said: The ZSF calls on SADC and the African Union to intervene decisively in Zimbabwe. It must be made clear that violence and repression is not part of the solution to Zimbabwe’s crisis and that it will not be tolerated. The rigorous defence of democratic principles is critical not only to the future of Zimbabwe but for the whole of the Southern African region and the entire African continent, he said

 

ZSF is a network movement of progressive South African civil society organisations, including youth, women, labour, faith-based, human rights and student formations that are engaged in the promotion of solidarity for sustainable peace, democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe

 

He said it’s high time that the SADC and AU take decisive action that breaks the stalemate and pushes the transformation process further in Zimbabwe.

 

To SADC we say: Deepen your diplomatic efforts to prevent a further deterioration of the situation and to demand that the election results be released. To the African Union we say: Prepare now to lead the world should the situation worsen and violence erupt

The forum called on the South African government and the ANC to continue using their influence towards transformation in Zimbabwe.

The forum was also “deeply concerned” that election observers were leaving Zimbabwe before results were announced and that media attention was shifting away.

 

We deeply concerned that external observers are leaving the country before the process is over and that media attention is already shifting to new fresher stories, while people report that the ZANU machinery is preparing to unleash the full might of its violent capabilities, he said

Speaking at the same conference Methodist Church Bishop Paul Verryn said: “It is critical for us to shout for the immediate results of the elections in their completion.”

The ZSF reminds key security force personnel in Zimbabwe of the statement made by the African National Congress in reaction to public pronouncements refusing to accept the leadership of the MDC. As in any democracy the military in Zimbabwe must recognise that they are accountable to the state, and that the state is accountable to the electorate.