Civics Hail Sadc Summit As A Success

Speaking to media in Johannesburg, Friday, Crisis in Zimbabwe coalition spokesperson Philip Pasirayi said the resolution of the summit reflected their preferred outcome.

“The Sadc reaffirmed the Sadc troika resolutions of Sandton, Johannesburg that called for the reinforcement of the facilitation
team”, said Pasirayi.

The Sadc summit held in Sandton mandated the Sadc troika to expand the facilitation team that will see more monitors being deployed on the ground; however this expanded team is yet to find financial resources
needed.

Dewa Mavhinga, a human rights lawyer and regional co-coordinator for the group added that Zanu (PF) was dealt a resounding blow at the summit.

“Zanu (PF)’s mooted 2011 election bid was thrown out, President Jacob Zuma’s mediation role was extended that is going to assist with continuity as Zimbabwe seek finality to the 10 year old economic and
political meltdown contrary to Zanu (PF)’s call to have the South African leader relieved of the facilitation role”, said Mavhinga .

The civics called on the country’s military forces to be recalled from countryside where they are being accused of brutalizing innocent and defenseless civilians.

Mavhinga lamented Africa’s pathetic human rights record stating that Zimbabwe civic organisations leaders were detained at the airport prior to the summit and their advocacy material impounded.

“Its unfortunate that other Sadc countries fail to respect basic human rights, our advocacy material we had translated into Portuguese was impounded at the airport and is yet to be released”, added Dewa.

The meeting was addressed by representatives from Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition-Dewa Mavhinga and Philip Pasirayi, Dzimbabwe Chibwa from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Tawanda Chimhini from Election
Resource Centre.