ISSUES RAISED FROM THE SADC TROIKA MEETING IN MOZAMBIQUE

ISSUES RAISED FROM THE SADC TROIKA MEETING IN MOZAMBIQUE

WHAT THE THREE POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE DONE SO FAR

Engagement of political parties signatory to the GPA within 15 days and no later than 30 days

The two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations and ZANU PF resumed negotiations today, 3 December 2009 with reports that resolutions will be reached by Saturday 5 December. Representatives of the South African President, Jacob Zuma who were in the country to assess developments in the negotiations presented a progress report to President Zuma on the 2^nd of December.

Swearing in of Deputy Agriculture Minister designate, Roy Bennett

(Resolution 7 (iii) of 26-27 January SADC summit)

Roy Bennett is yet to be sworn in with observers highlighting that ZANU PF remains adamant with regards to swearing in the Deputy Agriculture Minister designate until he is cleared of terrorism charges. Bennetts trial is set to re-commence on the 12^th of January 2010 at the High Court.

Selective application of the law

The Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirais body guard Peter Chigaba, former Masvingo councilor Francisca Sheya and MDC supporter, Ackim Chingarire were sentenced to 26 months each in prison on the 1^st of December 2009 for public violence allegedly committed during the run up to the 2005 Parliamentary election

Political intolerance and violence against MDC supporters and human rights defenders

The MDC T Transport Manager, Pascal Gwezera who stands accused of stealing fire arms from Pomona Army Barracks remains in Custody after the state successfully applied for leave to challenge his release on bail in the Supreme court.

The MDC reports that in Muzarabani there are cases of intimidation of MDC supporters. At a meeting addressed by Avoch Chibedebede, the ZANU PF Chairman for Muzarabani, MDC supporters who filed an affidavit implicating Chibedebede, Matthew Kasirori, Tonderai Chada, Hilson Mhaka and Pressure Chisaga in arson and the post 27 June violence were threatened with violence if they fail to withdraw the affidavit. This follows the summoning of the five to court after Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights allegedly filed the affidavit.

In Muzarabani South, Mutume village, villagers were given up to the 1^st of December 2009 to relinquish their MDC memberships.

At Katiyo shopping center in Uzumba Marambapfungwe, reports received are that MDC supporters were blocked from putting up publicity posters for an MDC rally scheduled for Sunday 6 December 2009 by ZANU PF supporters and war veterans.

Restrictive measures against ZANU PF officials and surrogates responsible for human rights violations

Restrictive measures against ZANU PF officials and their surrogates responsible from human rights abuses remain owing to the continued existence of repressive laws and the shrinkage of democratic space. It is the duty of the government to ensure that the rule of law is observed and human rights abuses curbed for the re-engagement of the international community to take place.

Appointment of senior government officials such as Provincial Governors, Independepent Commissioners and Ambassadors

Despite selection and training of Ambassadors, the quota agreed to by political parties during negotiations was not upheld.

The issue of governors remains unresolved while commissioners in the Human Rights Commission and Media Commission are yet to be appointed by the President following interviews held more than a month ago.

Appointment of Attorney General and RBZ Governor, Resolution No 7 (VI) of the January communiqu

Appointments of Attorney general and RBZ governor remain contentious. According to The Standard of 29 November 2009, the issue has been left until all other issues are resolved.

Hate speech, public media reportage and Pirate radio stations

The publicly owned media continue to give preference to reports relating to the President, Robert Mugabe and his party, ZANU PF as opposed to issues of national interest. Of particular note was the 2 December 2009 8oclock news broadcast on ZBC where the sole broadcasting cooperation in the country gave precedence to coverage on the ZANU PF national conference scheduled for this month as opposed to issues around the national budget presented in Parliament by Finance Minister and MDC secretary General, Tendai Biti on the 2^nd of December.

External radio stations continue broadcasting in the country with reports that ZANU PF is engaging Botswana and Madagascar where the broadcasts are allegedly beamed from. However, The Coalition reiterates that the absence of alternative media sources due to the governments failure to re-open closed newspapers and the continued existence of repressive laws has resulted in the proliferation of external radio stations. The government thus needs to ensure a vibrant and pluralistic media industry by repealing all repressive laws and creating an enabling operating environment.

Appointment of the National Economic Council

The National Economic Council, which will be responsible for setting economic policies for the country is yet to be appointed with no steps taken thus far.