Maravi

Makoni calls for dialogue

Makoni calls for dialogue
By George Chellah in Harare, Zimbabwe
Thursday May 22, 2008 [04:00]

NO meaningful elections will ever take place under the current political environment in Zimbabwe, losing presidential candidate Dr Simba Makoni's political movement has stated. And the movement has applauded the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leadership for its role in the Zimbabwean crisis. In a statement made available to The Post yesterday, Dr Makoni's ‘Mavambo’ or ‘the Dawn ‘movement’ called for dialogue in Zimbabwe before the situation degenerates further.

The Movement welcomed South African President Thabo Mbeki's initiative to send a fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe to investigate the incidents of violence.

"We believe this will serve as a clear signal to the perpetrators of this violence that the SADC leadership is taking this crisis seriously and are concerned. It is our hope that this mission will assist us in finding solutions as we consider the way forward," the Movement stated.

"It is important to recognise that no meaningful elections could ever take place under a political environment such as this. The only way forward is to begin engaging in constructive dialogue with one another before the situation degenerates further. We owe the people of Zimbabwe political stability and security."
The Mavambo Movement condemned the ongoing political violence.

"We have received, with great concern, reports of politically motivated violence across Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas. Zimbabweans are being subjected to senseless violence and terror that has resulted in deaths, displacement and increasing numbers of victims in our hospitals and clinics throughout the country," the Mavambo stated.

"This is a sorry tale of horrendous and diabolical deeds, and a violation of basic human rights. Families, relatives and friends are being set against one another in a senseless political dogfight and youths are being unleashed on ordinary Zimbabweans, whose only crime is their courage to stand up for their right to choose.

"Not only is this violence unwarranted and unacceptable, more so as it comes after the people of Zimbabwe have just participated in an election that they believed would reflect their wishes. In return, they are now confronted by the reality that this is not so, and that they will not be enjoying their freedom of expression after all."
The Mavambo Movement described the situation as a national tragedy.

"It reinforces the view that violence in Zimbabwe has become endemic, and part and parcel of our political culture. Systematic violence as a weapon for setting political scores, has no place in a country that purports to be democratic," the Mavambo stated.

"It is without doubt that an indictment on the country's collective leadership, that we appear to stand aside and look while this scourge continues. We, of Mavambo Movement hereby state that 'We stand with the people and denounce all forms of violence' and challenge the leadership of both ZANU-PF and MDC to genuinely and publicly do the same."

They further expressed dissatisfaction with the economic problems Zimbabweans were currently enduring.

"Zimbabweans have for almost a decade now taken their suffering with humility and steadfastness, believing that democracy is the answer to our problems. One would think that, given these circumstances, a responsible leadership would place more emphasis on creating an environment that lessens their suffering," stated the Mavambo.

"Again, we reiterate that the deepening national crisis offers leadership across the board, an opportunity to engage and talk with one another, putting partisan politics aside and for once placing the interests of the nation and its people first."

Labels: ELECTIONS, SIMBA MAKONI, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 3:41 AM