Talks about talks

We agree with the NCA it is imperative to widen the participants to include civic groups and other critical stakeholders. We need a solution that will solve all Zimbabwe’s problems, therefore we need to lend an ear to experts in finance, law, health, education, and others to discuss effective resurrection policies.  

Our constitution is a major problem area it has been abused and includes provisions that have been panel beaten over the years. It is a document that is full of piecemeal amendments – each time it has been amended this was done to give Mugabe more power. We now need a constitution that serves all Zimbabweans, not just one man; a constitution that guarantees human rights, safeguards human liberties and protects all the freedoms that can be expected in a democracy.  

We know that Zanu (PF) is not interested in the will of the people, relying as it does on the military junta to crush any opposition to its continued mis-governance and the lining of its members’ own pockets.  

Zanu is not a trustworthy negotiating partner and it has been clear for some time that they are not interested in any discussion that would lead to the weakening of their own powers. For example, they have reneged on nearly every single agreement reached between the 2 MDC factions and Zanu last year.  

How can we expect it to be any different this year especially in the light of the Washington Times story which we carry on the front page today? This story clearly shows that Zanu is trying to reverse the will of the people in order to maintain its iron grip and continuus to plunder the country’s resources, which has lead to our economic meltdown.  

We also carry a story about the entry of mercenaries into Mugabe’s war on the people – to add to our woes. These fighters are said to be more ruthless than even the Zanu (PF) militia.  

One thing should be clear. They can kill people, they can maim people, but their victory will remain hollow and it will not solve our problems. The only lasting solution will be one to which all Zimbabweans buy in and want to defend. This must come in the form of a new constitution – one that respects the fundamental freedoms of individuals.

Word

We have suffered terror and pitfalls, ruin and destruction.”

Streams of tears flow from my eyes

because my people are destroyed.

My eyes will flow unceasingly,

without relief,

until the LORD looks down

from heaven and sees.

What I see brings grief to my soul

because of all the women of my city.

You came near when I called you,

and you said, “Do not fear.”

O Lord, you took up my case;

you redeemed my life.

You have seen, O LORD, the wrong done to me.

Uphold my cause! – Lamentations 3, 48-55