I am deeply pained by the terrible deterioration, disease
and despair we are seeing in Zimbabwe.
I welcome yesterday's signs that the South African government is alive to
the implications of the total collapse of governance in Zimbabwe, of which
we see new evidence daily.
But the silence of SADC leaders in general is disgraceful. Why throughout
this crisis have we seen no evidence of public leadership from King Mswati
III, chairperson of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
Co-operation? He should not only be taking high-profile action on Zimbabwe,
but needs to show that peace and democracy are possible in his own country.
Are SADC's leaders not moved by the terrible human suffering in Zimbabwe?
Where is their ubuntu? Must people be massacred in Zimbabwe's streets before
SADC will take firm, decisive and public action? Will they even then?
No, SADC has failed and is morally bankrupt. President Mugabe has
demonstrated again and again that he will not share power. He is no longer
fit to rule. I appeal to the chair of the African Union, President Jakaya
Kikwete of Tanzania to step in and declare publicly that Mugabe's rule is
now illegitimate and that he must step aside, and for the AU to work
speedily with the United Nations to set up a transitional government to take
control.
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