JOHANNESBURG - SADC leaders seem to have realised at last that President Robert Mugabe Following Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirais tour of the region to bring SADC leaders up-to-date on the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe, the Troika has for the first time rebuked Mugabe.
Analysts say this could signal the groups growing impatience with Mugabes continued refusal to share power and his use of violence and intimidation to terrorise the population.
The PM informed SADC leaders individually of the ongoing threats to Zimbabwes coalition government, as Mugabe and his generals have intensified the onslaught against the MDC, and continue to violate the terms of the GPA.
His concerns were corroborated by the report to the Troika by SA President Jacob Zuma, SADC facilitator on the Zimbabwe issue.
These included the arrests of MDC MPs and officials, including Minister Elton Mangoma, on frivolous charges, and continuing human rights abuses by Zanu (PF) officials.
Mugabe was told to stop harassing the MDC and other opposition parties, while the Zimbabwean leaders were told to urgently implement all the outstanding GPA issues before they can even think about elections, said a source within South Africas International Relations Ministry.
Mugabe tried to shift blame, claiming that Tsvangirai was raising a false alarm, but most of the things the MDC leader said were collaborated by Zumas report and he had no way out.
The SADC leaders are said to have appreciated the frankness of the report and commended Zuma for his work on behalf of SADC.
The summit recalled past decisions on the implementation of the GPA and noted with disappointment insufficient progress and expressed impatience at the delay, read a statement from the SA Department of International Relations and Co-operation.
The summit also noted with grave concern the polarisation of the political environment as characterised by resurgence of violence, arrests and intimidation the summit resolved that there must be an immediate end to violence, intimidation, hate speech, harassment, and any action that contradicts the letter and spirit of GPA, read the statement.
All stakeholders to the GPA should implement all the provisions of the GPA and create a conducive environment for peace, security, and free political activity. The inclusive government in should complete all the steps necessary for the holding of the election, including the finalisation of the constitutional amendment and the referendum.
The Troika agreed to appoint a team of officials to strengthen the South African Facilitation Team and provide a regular progress report. A full list of the outstanding issues identified by Zuma in August last year, on which there has been no progress to date, download.
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