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The Zimbabwean Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is Not about Power But Democracy. I found this clear and credible assertion in the MDC's statement on the Africa Union summit resolution on Zimbabwe -- the one that seems to have let down the people of Zimbabwe. The resolution that seems to lack resolve just as President Mbeki's velvet glove seems to lack the iron fist.

Holding such a clear position in the moral high ground with voices at least supporting worldwide the Zimbabwean Movement for Democratic Change; it clearly has a future where others can only stare into the abyss. Commenting on the slow progress of this week's Africa Union summit, the Zimbabwean Movement for Democratic Change responding with customary precision in the department of openness, honesty and transparency.

The Statement by The Movement for Democratic Change on the African Union Resolution on Zimbabwe on Tuesday 2 July 2008 comments in part on the slow progress of that summit.

"The MDC would like to thank those African leaders who have joined the global chorus by standing on the side of the Zimbabwean people and advocating that their voices be heard.The MDC would like to thank the Pan African Parliament, SADC and AU observer missions for acknowledging the reality and pervasiveness of the violence in Zimbabwe and refusing to give the June 27th election any credibility or legitimacy.

The common conclusions of all three reports were:

A – the violence negated the credibility of the June 27 elections

B – the election did not reflect the will of the people

C – consequently the outcome is not legitimate.

If the African Union acknowledged their reports, then we in the MDC feel that their own resolution should have been consistent with them. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The MDC is concerned that:

The resolution does not adequately deal with the ongoing violence in Zimbabwe. Since the June 27 sham election, 9 MDC supporters have been murdered, hundreds more beaten and forced to leave their homes. In Manicaland alone, since the weekend, five hundred MDC supporters and families have been forced to flee their homes and are now seeking refuge at the party's headquarters in Mutare. Therefore the MDC reiterates its call for peace in the country.

Movement for Democratic Change

With this call in mind, and with the many myriads of facts reflecting no real Zim change I find the calls for Zim sanctions and to boycott the South Africa 2010 World Cup difficult to rebut.

Soccer 1, Mugabe 0 -- PETER GODWIN 24 June 2008

"Mr. Tsvangirai and his followers — who have remained nonviolent, participated in three rigged elections and tried to inhabit “democratic space” as it diminished to a sliver — are understandably loath to join in an administration with the very people who have been attacking them. What’s more, joining would only reward Mr. Mugabe for his violent repression. The solution for Zimbabwe is simple: a free and fair election. "

 

 

South Africa warned it might lose 2010 World Cup if doesn't intervene in Zimbabwe -- Bob Roberts 26 June 2008

"As pressure increased on Robert Mugabe, campaigners and politicians said it was outrageous South African President Thabo Mbeki continued to back him. And they said the World Cup should not go ahead in South Africa unless Mbeki demanded Mugabe step down."

 

 

20 ways you can help end Mugabe's dictatorship in Zimbabwe -- Kate Jackson 1 July 2008

"As Gordon Brown urges world leaders to condemn Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe, ordinary people wonder how we can help end his dictatorship. Individually, they are small steps, but if we all change our toothpaste, cigarettes and mobile phone provider, we might help giant strides to be taken."

If you are interested in helping coordinate and provide information to lobby companies operating in Zimbabwe or sponsoring the World Cup please get in touch in the usual way.