The talks are a necessary first step towards an end to the violence and intimidation. It is critical that humanitarian aid is resumed and provided on the basis of need not political affiliation.Â
The Zimbabwean people are enduring a protracted political and economic crisis and we welcome efforts to facilitate a peaceful and democratic resolution driven by the people’s will. For this reason it is vital that the voice of the Zimbabwean people is heard during the negotiations and their will acted on. There is concern that the talks will not be inclusive and we draw attention to the statement issued by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) on 21 July:
Our concern however is that, there has not been openness and wider consultation on the drafting of the MoU. On behalf of labour, the MoU has not been availed to us for scrutiny or comment. The only time we have had a feel of the MoU, has been through the media, where we are told that MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had at one time refused to sign it. Nothing more has been said about the document…The current problems in Zimbabwe now require not only a political solution, but concerted approach which involves all arms of the civic and political world.
Tony Dykes, Director of ACTSA commented, We believe that any negotiated settlement should provide a platform for a legitimate election process to take place where the true will of the people is represented. ACTSA acknowledges that there is a long way to go for this to be realised and urges caution and strict monitoring of the negotiation process while welcoming the agreement to hold talks.
Furthermore, ACTSA supports the COSATU statement of 18 July which states.
We seek to declare Southern Africa an oppression-free zone and an oasis of justice and democracy for its people, who for years have suffered different forms of degradation, from colonialism through neo-colonial despotism to neo-liberal savagery with its resultant dehumanising poverty…An opportunity has presented itself for us to forge closer ties and build an effective regional network of progressive social forces, who want an immediate end to oppression, undemocratic elections, poverty and underdevelopment.
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