Obasanjo warns of 'sanction' for Zimbabwe
June 05 2002 at 09:37PM
By Xolisa Vapi
The Zimbabwean government has thrown its weight behind the New Partnership for Africa's Development, but the unfolding political crisis in that country and its stand-off with the international community could see it being subjected to a "peer review" mechanism to ensure compliance with good governance values.
Zimbabwe is being seen by the international community as a test case for Nepad, which represents Africa's collective attempt to catch up with the rest of the world, especially on the economic front.
"We will sanction ourselves if necessary," Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo - who is Nepad's co-architect along with President Thabo Mbeki - told a press conference at the World Economic Forum's Africa Economic Summit in Durban on Wednesday.
Obasanjo was responding to a question about whether Zimbabwe would be excluded from Nepad as the political crisis continued unabated.
Seen by the international community as a test case for Nepad Nepad's peer review mechanism will set certain standards by which African states will abide, including a culture of human rights, good governance, the rule of law, political stability, a sound macro-economic environment and creating opportunities to attract foreign direct investment.
Zimbabwe's finance minister Simba Makoni was at pains to explain his country's eligibility to participate in Nepad amid perceptions in Africa and abroad that Zimbabwe was a thorn in Nepad's side.
Makoni said Zimbabwe would not be excluded from Nepad as his government supported the initiative "unequivocally" as it would bring investment.
"President Robert Mugabe will be here (next month for the launch of the African Union) to take the Nepad route.
"The elections in Zimbabwe were welcomed by a significant opinion of Africans and questioned by a significant opinion of non-Africans.
"The fact that there are differing opinions doesn't mean that we cannot participate in Nepad," Makoni said.
Tensions spilled over to the Durban Summit when Zanu-PF and opposition Movement for Democratic Change leaders gave conflicting accounts of peace talks after the presidential elections.
|
|
You can make a difference
|
|
 |
Make a donation |
|
Support Zimbabwe at an event |
|
Lobby your local Government member |
|
Become a member of the ZIC |
|
