African Union ready to assist in ending Zimbabwe stalemate

 

The Tanzanian President dismissed concerns that the ousting of South African President Thabo Mbeki could jeopardize the power-sharing deal he helped negotiate in the country.

 

Reports from New York said Kikwete told the world body there was no cause for alarm and that the South African government will continue to focus on the issue. The African Union stands ready to assist, if need would arise,’ Kikwete said. On Sunday, Mbeki accepted a demand from his ANC party to resign, a move that has thrown his country and the region into political turmoil. The Southern African Development Community said Tuesday that unless the new leaders of South Africa express opposition, the group expects Mbeki to continue as Zimbabwe’s mediator.