MDC Press Release
11 July 2002
MDC Urges Mugabe To Honour His Pledge To The African Union
The MDC welcomes the formal creation of the African Union and is deeply encouraged by the fact that 53 African countries have signed up to the Constitutive Act of the African Union which provides mechanisms that will enable the AU to pursue objectives which are consistent with its guiding principles: good governance, the eradication of poverty, peace and security and sustainable development.
Given the current crisis in Zimbabwe, the MDC is somewhat dismayed at the blatant hypocrisy shown by the illegitimate Mugabe regime in ratifying an Act whose central tenets are anathema to its own style of government. If the AU is to achieve its objectives and attain global credibility then its signatories should implement reforms that mirror the spirit and fundamental principles that have influenced and shaped the formation of the AU. South African President Thabo Mbeki, in a speech marking the launch of the AU in Durban on Tuesday, underlined the need for the AU to transform rhetoric into reality: "In the spirit of the Constitutive Act of Union we must work for a continent characterised by democratic principles and institutions which guarantee popular participation and provide for good governance."
By signing the Act the illegitimate Mugabe regime has committed itself to pursing an agenda that seeks to ensure that the principles of democracy and human rights become sacrosanct. A failure to pursue such measures, by Zimbabwe and other African states violating internationally accepted democratic norms, will test the capacity of the AU to censure deviant states and influence positive change. Moreover, a failure by the AU to take decisive action would betray severe inadequacies and risk sidelining it as a blunt instrument in both regional and international affairs.
If the people of Zimbabwe are to believe the sincerity of Mugabe's support for the objectives of the AU then he will need to implement measures that will ensure that democratic legitimacy and a respect for the rule of law return to Zimbabwe. To achieve this goal Mugabe will need to do the following:
· Rescind the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill
· Rescind the Public Order and Security Act
· Rescind the General Laws Amendment Act
· End state sponsored political violence
· Introduce measures conducive to a free and fair re-run of the March 2002 Presidential election held under the auspices of international observer.
The creation of the African Union, combined with the NEPAD initiative, provides Africa with a unique opportunity to unite its people and move towards a peaceful and sustainable future that marks a permanent break from a depressing past characterised by violence, endemic corruption and exploitation. It is critical that all African leaders take steps now to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
As Africans, the symbolic developments over the past few weeks and the clear determination of some of our leaders to put in place the building blocks for a brighter future, is a source of hope and inspiration. Such positive steps come at a time when large parts of our continent remains ravaged by war, corruption and state sponsored political violence which scares both our continent as well as distorts our image within the wider global community.
What the creation of NEPAD and the African Union has demonstrated is that as a people we are no longer prepared to sit back and accept this perpetual state of instability and insecurity as a way of life in Africa. We can achieve, and deserve, better and both NEPAD and the African Union offer a passport out of the territory of systematic malaise and despair that afflicts millions of Africans.
We urge the illegitimate Mugabe regime to take immediate steps to ensure that Zimbabwe plays a pivotal role in helping to deliver the mutually compatible objectives of both NEPAD and the AU. This can only be achieved by a concerted and honest effort to end Zimbabwe's current political crisis and return the country to legitimate democratic rule achieved via a free and fair election.
Morgan Tsvangirai
MDC President
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Learnmore Jongwe, Head of Information - 00 263 91 915 281
Nkanyiso Maqueda, Information Manager - 00263 91 248 570
BRUSSELS, Grace Kwinjeh - 0032 494 1 81 621
LONDON, James Littleton - 00 44 7771 501 401
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