SADC civil society unhappy with outcome of SADC summit

Joint Statement on Zimbabwe by Civil Societies of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe

The People of Zimbabwe and Zambia are one, despite the false barriers of colonial boundaries. Our struggles for democracy and dignity are the same although the local contexts may differ.

We, the undersigned representatives of Civil Society Organisations in our countries, have met to discuss the electoral crisis in Zimbabwe in the spirit of genuine Pan-African solidarity.

We appreciate the efforts of the SADC Heads of State to address the crisis through the Extraordinary Summit of 12 April 2008 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The statement released by the SADC leaders attempts to address some of the issues that concern us. However, the statement falls short of the expectations of the peoples of our countries.

We expected the SADC leaders to make specific demands upon the Zimbabwean regime, including demands to:

1. Compel Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to immediately announce the true results of the Presidential election of 29th March 2008.

2. Prevent Robert Mugabe and his security personnel from tampering with the election results

3. Call upon the current Zimbabwean regime to stop the continued arbitrary arrests and detentions of the non-military personnel of the ZEC.

4. Dismantle the de facto coup and apply pressure on the military to hand over power to a civilian government.

5. And in the event that the results show no winner of 50% plus one vote, to set up a Heads of State team that will mediate between ZANU PF and MDC in order to:

a. Set an election run-off time line.
b. Establish a credible, independent and impartial election management body to replace ZEC whose credibility and reputation has been damaged beyond repair that will implement the election run-off without fear or favour and constituted by people acceptable to all parties.
c. Ensure that the election run-off is internationally supported, supervised and observed and run under circumstances where Zimbabweans are able to fully and effectively participate in their national affairs in an environment of peace and tranquillity, free from intimidation and political violence and retribution.
d. Demand that the duly elected and constituted parliament is immediately convened and allowed to carry out their constitutional duties.
e. Demand free access for regional observers including the media during the run-off period until after the results are accepted by the majority.

6. Ensure measures are in place, until the run-off is held, that Robert Mugabe is not allowed to rule by decree supported by the military.

The SADC Heads of States, ZANU PF, MDC and other concerned parties to take cognisant of the fact that should violence erupt in Zimbabwe, it is especially women and children that will be affected the most, therefore this situation should be treated with urgency.

Endorsed By:

African Agenda for Peace Initiatives and Conflict Management (AAPICOM)
Anti Voter Apathy Project
Caritas Zambia
Churches in Manicaland
Citizens Forum
Civil Society APRM Secretariat
Combined Harare Residents’ Association
Crisis Coalition Zimbabwe
Ditshwanelo – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
Foundation for Democratic Process
General Agricultural Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
International Federation For Human Rights (FIDH)
International Socialist Organisation
Manicaland Legal Practitioners’ Association
Media Institute of Southern Africa-Zimbabwe Chapter
Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe
Namibia National Society for Human Rights (NSHR)
National Constitutional Assembly
National Organisation of Non-Governmental Organisations
Non Governmental Organisations Coordinatiing Council
Organisation Development and Community Management Trust
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe
Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe
Save Zimbabwe Campaign
Southern Africa Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes
Students’ Solidarity Trust
Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) Kenya
Transparency International Zambia
We the People
Women of Zimbabwe Arise
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Youth Initiative for Democracy in Zimbabwe
Zambia Council for Social Development
Zambia Social Forum
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rghts
Zimbabwe Coalition of Debt and Development
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
Zimbabwe Students Christian Movement
Zimbabwe Youth Movement
Other organisations