In light of the hardships borne over many years by all Zimbabweans, therecent political and economic events have given rise to an increasedtalk on a long term process of healing and reconciliation at local andnational level. Recognition of the need for reconciliation washeightened by the signing on September 15, of the Unity Agreementbetween Zanu (PF) and the MDC.
Indeed, it was a joyful and momentous occasion, which briefly endedmonths of political deadlock and violence. But behind thosewell-crafted signatures lay the ugly face of a wounded, long-sufferingand empty nation, a nation yearning for truth, mercy, forgiveness,justice, healing and reconciliation, attributes of a nation whichcannot be achieved by the stroke of a pen.
Acknowledging the need for dialogue as a process towardsreconciliation, the Archdiocese of Harare convened a meeting lastOctober of organisations working on justice and peace issues atcommunity level, at which I was a facilitator.
This was a first dialogue meeting to initiate an on-going debatebetween and among different communities to enable them to work togetheron issues of common concern and lead to healing and sustainedreconciliation. A total of 25 participants from all corners of Zimbabwespent three days grappling with the concepts of reconciliation and thepracticalities of how to achieve this at community level.
Process is important
Throughout the deliberations it was unanimously agreed that the processis just as important as the outcome. As I reflected on the euphoriathat gripped the country during that signing ceremony, and theexperiences and voices from the grassroots reflected in this dialoguemeeting, I felt that the Unity agreement simplified our condition,suppressing and disguising the very real conflicts among communities.Nevertheless, it carried with it, still nascent and incomplete, thepotential for positive change.
No movement towards equality, justice and reconciliation is possiblewithout the active engagement and participation of the localcommunities. No communities are identical; hence there is no one sizefit all in addressing past wrongs. I vividly recall the words of awoman who testified in the South African Truth ReconciliationCommission. Her question was simple, I want to forgive, but whom?'This goes to show that there are obvious benchmarks that need to beadhered to including, but not restricted to, public acknowledgement ofwhat went wrong in the past, a minimum of retribution and redress. Aswith the case of Zimbabwe some progress towards economic justice.Evidently the path towards reconciliation is not an easy one.
More than rhetoric
Reconciliation has to be based on more than pragmatism and rhetoric.
Psalms 85 v 10 describes the reconciliation of God and the nation ofIsrael. Reconciliation in this verse is described as where justice andpeace meet together, truth and mercy kiss each other'.
The four terms, justice, peace, truth and mercy, must be mutually reinforcing in any successful attempt at reconciliation.
But how can the communities go ahead to set agenda if they are not wellinformed, which regrettably is the case with most communities inZimbabwe. Any political processes should be underpinned and driven bythe expressed needs and aspirations of the communities. Against thisbackdrop it is essential that communities should be made aware of thepolitical processes so that they can engage effectively.
Local level
Intrinsic to our commitments as organisations working at local level topromote social transformation and make information available, therehave been very helpful direct outcomes from this meeting to assist inagenda setting for reconciliation at local level. The ACPD haspublished a book entitled: The People's Guide to the Agreement' whichseeks to give local people an understanding of what was agreed to andhow they can contribute to the rebuilding of Zimbabwe. (A copy of thePeople's Guide to the Agreement in English or Shona is availablethrough the CCJP Office Archdiocese of Harare; Copies in 6 Zimbabweanlanguages are available through ACPD: admin@bookteam.co.org).
A network has been established, made up of all organisations whoparticipated at this dialogue meeting. This network will go a long wayin sharing resources and information. In a bid to make the networkmore effective, a resource centre of peace building materials has beenestablished to make available case studies, processes, frameworks ofhow reconciliation has been handled elsewhere. This will assistcommunities to make informed decisions on dealing with justice in theircommunities. Whatever the outcomes of the new political situation, theprospect of a viable, peaceful and inclusive Zimbabwe democracy willremain a distant dream if the sad legacy of violence is not dealt withthrough a genuine and thorough process ofreconciliation.
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