The summit noted the outcome of the Zimbabwean elections and expressed grave concern at the worsening situation in that country, including the arrest of the President and Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.
“Our approach on this matter is informed by our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights. We call for an end to all violence and harassment of the civilian population. We urge the leadership and the people of Zimbabwe assisted by SADC to work together to find a lasting solution to this crisis,” said the closing statement.
COSATU and others have organised marches, to be held on Saturday 17 May in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, on two of the most burning issues of the day, Zimbabwe and rising food prices.
“If the presidential run-off election is to truly express the will of the people it will be essential to have a bigger and more effective team of local and international observers. We shall be urging the South African and other SADC governments to do everything in their power to ensure that the election is not stolen thorough violence, intimidation or vote-rigging,” said a statement by the organisers. Â
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