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Africans Speak out on Zimbabwe
Mohamed Sahnoun23 June 2008
 Zimbabweans may still go to the polls on 27 June in the second round of a presidential election so marred by violence that the Opposition has pulled out.
Zimbabwe’s Opposition has pulled out of the 27 June presidential election, saying that the massive violence and intimidation of recent weeks mean that there is no possibility that the election will be fair. Before they did so, many of Africa’s elder statesmen and women signed a statement calling for free and fair elections. They include Nobel Laureates Kofi Annan, Wangari Maathai and Desmond Tutu, and 20 former heads of state. As President of Initiatives of Change International, I have also signed it.
‘Zimbabweans fought for liberation in order to be able to determine their own future,’ they state. ‘Great sacrifices were made during the liberation struggle. To live up to the aspirations of those who sacrificed, it is vital that nothing is done to deny the legitimate expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
‘As Africans we consider the forthcoming elections to be critical. We are aware of the attention of the world. More significantly we are conscious of the huge number of Africans who want to see a stable, democratic and peaceful Zimbabwe.
‘Consequently, we are deeply troubled by the current reports of intimidation, harassment and violence. It is vital that the appropriate conditions are created so that the Presidential run-off is conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner. Only then can the political parties conduct their election campaigning in a way that enables the citizens to express freely their political will.
‘In this context, we call for an end to the violence and intimidation, and the restoration of full access for humanitarian and aid agencies.
‘To this end it will be necessary to have an adequate number of independent electoral observers, both during the election process and to verify the results.
‘Whatever the outcome of the election, it will be vital for all Zimbabweans to come together in a spirit of reconciliation to secure Zimbabwe’s future.
‘We further call upon African leaders at all levels – pan-African, regional and national - and their institutions to ensure the achievement of these objectives.’
We welcome other Africans to join us by signing this statement, which can be found at www.zimbabwe-27june.com/.
The call for free democratic elections, an end to intimidation and violence, and for full access to humanitarian and aid agencies still stands.
Mohamed Sahnoun, the President of IofC-International, was a member of the International Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Commission.
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NOTE: Individuals of many cultures, nationalities, religions, and beliefs are actively involved with Initiatives of Change. These commentaries represent the views of the writer and not necessarily those of Initiatives of Change as a whole.
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WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THIS COMMENTARY:
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Will a man like Mugabe be influenced by fine words and appeals to his "better nature"? I have dealt with many bullies - they need twice as much councelling as their victims and usually they don't change until they are confronted by a greater power.
Bullies in the play ground are only brought under control by a person in authority with punitive powers.
We need enforcable International Laws to protect the weak from such bullies. Mugabe must be taken into custody and answer to the International Court of Human Rights for what he has done.
The legislative system is the only equitable way to restrain such people. There must be justice or the people will have no hope and will perish.
The UN must be given authority to arrest and confine such criminals and present them to Court.
Mugabe is making the whole international community appear to be powerless, or worse disinterested, to the whole world population which undermines the peoples' respect for and faith in our leaders.
Where are the real Statesmen who will stand for justice for the sake of justice? This is one of the key characteristics of leadership that distinguishes a man of God. The whole world (and especially Zimbabwe) is depending on men of moral courgage to stand up today and be counted.
The way Mugabe is getting away with his crimes will encourage other ruthless dictators - apparrently there is no penalty in this world for attrocities.
Enough is enough. Justice must be swift. It is time for action rather than words. Zimbabwe needs new leadership with a vision to rebuild her and the support of the International Community to fulfill that vision with no delay.
The strong must protect and support the weak - not stand by as if they were helpless.
Mike Knowles, 24 June 2008
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