But Thomas O. Melia, deputy executive director of the non-profit, non-partisan organisation which seeks to advance political and economic freedom worldwide, said that it is highly significant that some African nations are speaking out against the coup, the brutality and the “descent into darkness” under Mugabe.
Testifying to the US Committee on Foreign Relations’ African Affairs Sub-committee, Melia cited Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal as all having “made clear that the political process in Zimbabwe is not acceptable.”
“While headlines about misrule in Sudan, Somalia and Zimbabwe may obscure the truth, the fact is that Africa is becoming more democratic over time, more respectful of civil liberties and political rights,” said Melia. “The rising tide of African support for a democratic outcome in Zimbabwe, along with rejection of the results of June 27, is therefore as unsurprising as it is significant.”
South Africa, in contrast, since Mugabe’s defeat has “added another sordid act to its dismal record on the suffering of Zimbabwe’s people.”
Melia added that Zanu (PF) has “made a mockery” of every election since the MDC was formed in 1999 and defeated Mugabe’s draft constitution the following year.
He described the the disarray on Zimbabwe in the AU and SADC as a “promising development,” and urged the U.S. to be poised to assist a “transition government.”
The US Administration has already requested US$45 million in funding to assist the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe once a legitimate government takes office.
Post published in: News