The mere talk shop that is AU and SADC

Editor | Friday February 8, 2008 00:00

The recent AU Addis Ababa summit is said to have received a progress report on Zimbabwe. It is even a misnomer talking of a progress report on anything concerning the ever-worsening meltdown in Zimbabwe. Where many people see despair and disillusionment, the optimists in the SADC organ see hope and progress.The SADC says South African President Thabo Mbeki reported that both the opposition and ruling party have reached an agreement on all substantive matters on the political situation in Zimbabwe.

Mbeki said the parties had issues ranging from the constitution, electoral laws, security legislation, communication legislation - in particular the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (AIPPA) and the Broadcasting Services Act. The two parties in the Zimbabwe crisis are said to have reached an agreement on matters related to the political climate in the country, such as the land question, politically motivated violence and external interference.SADC says constitutional and statutory changes have already been put in place.The summit welcomed the good progress and requested, and we believe they begged Mbeki to carry on as the facilitator to resolve the Zimbabwe crisis. Even on the face of it, this is absolute nonsense. Is there really progress?

The people of Zimbabwe deserve better and for African leaders to accept that hollow concessions that have been made amount to progress is more than an insult. People had faith when SADC initiated this process. There was even optimism when the South African president was appointed. There is still no freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. Even free political activity is under assault in the country. The talks were initiated to normalise the situation in Zimbabwe but it does not look like normalcy is possible in the forseeable future. Those who are supposed to be resolute, to ensure that Zimbabwe's integrity is restored are engaged in senseless breast beating.The Zimbabwean opposition has spoken out against the letter and spirit of the SADC communiqu, falling short of saying Mbeki was not telling the truth about the progress made in the talks. The opposition complains the elections will be held very much against their will. To SADC and the AU it is business as usual.With leaders and lethargic bodies such as these, it should come as no surprise that we are besieged by wanton disregard for the rule of law in Africa. There is Zimbabwe, Sudan, Kenya, Chad, Angola, DRC and many others. What can we do without political will.

                                                      Today's Thought

What luck for rulers that men don't think.

                                                       - Adolf Hitler