Joint Statement on Zimbabwe by Civil Societies of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe

The People of Zimbabwe and Zambia are one, despite the false barriers of colonial boundaries. Our struggles for democracy and dignity are the same although the local contexts may differ.

We, the undersigned representatives of Civil Society Organisations in our countries, have met to discuss the electoral crisis in Zimbabwe in the spirit of genuine Pan-African solidarity.

We appreciate the efforts of the SADC Heads of State to address the crisis through the Extraordinary Summit of 12 April 2008 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The statement released by the SADC leaders attempts to address some of the issues that concern us. However, the statement falls short of the expectations of the peoples of our countries.

We expected the SADC leaders to make specific demands upon the Zimbabwean regime, including demands to:

1. Compel Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to immediately announce the true results of the Presidential election of 29th March 2008.
2. Prevent Robert Mugabe and his security personnel from tampering with the election results
3. Call upon the current Zimbabwean regime to stop the continued arbitrary arrests and detentions of the non-military personnel of the ZEC.
4. Dismantle the de facto coup and apply pressure on the military to hand over power to a civilian government.
5. And in the event that the results show no winner of 50% plus one vote, to set up a Heads of State team that will mediate between ZANU PF and MDC in order to:
   1. Set an election run-off time line.
   2. . Establish a credible, independent and impartial election management body to replace ZEC whose credibility and reputation has been damaged beyond repair that will implement the election run-off without fear or favour and constituted by people acceptable to all parties.
   3. Ensure that the election run-off is internationally supported, supervised and observed and run under circumstances where Zimbabweans are able to fully and effectively participate in their national affairs in an environment of peace and tranquillity, free from intimidation and political violence and retribution.
   4. Demand that the duly elected and constituted parliament is immediately convened and allowed to carry out their constitutional duties. e. Demand free access for regional observers including the media during the run-off period until after the results are accepted by the majority.
6. Ensure measures are in place, until the run-off is held, that Robert Mugabe is not allowed to rule by decree supported by the military.

The SADC Heads of States, ZANU PF, MDC and other concerned parties to take cognisant of the fact that should violence erupt in Zimbabwe, it is especially women and children that will be affected the most, therefore this situation should be treated with urgency. Ends/

Endorsed By:

• African Agenda for Peace Initiatives and Conflict Management (AAPICOM)
• Anti Voter Apathy Project
• Caritas Zambia
• Churches in Manicaland
• Citizens Forum
• Civil Society APRM Secretariat
• Combined Harare Residents’ Association
• Crisis Coalition Zimbabwe
• Ditshwanelo - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
• Foundation for Democratic Process
• General Agricultural Plantation Workers' Union of Zimbabwe
• International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
• International Federation For Human Rights (FIDH)
• International Socialist Organisation
• Manicaland Legal Practitioners' Association
• Media Institute of Southern Africa-Zimbabwe Chapter
• Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe
• Namibia National Society for Human Rights (NSHR)
• National Constitutional Assembly
• National Organisation of Non-Governmental Organisations
• Non Governmental Organisations Coordinatiing Council
• Organisation Development and Community Management Trust
• Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe
• Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe
• Save Zimbabwe Campaign
• Southern Africa Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes
• Students' Solidarity Trust
• Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) Kenya
• Transparency International Zambia
• We the People
• Women of Zimbabwe Arise
• World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
• Youth Initiative for Democracy in Zimbabwe
• Zambia Council for Social Development
• Zambia Social Forum
• Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rghts
• Zimbabwe Coalition of Debt and Development
• Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
• Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
• Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
• Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
• Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
• Zimbabwe Students Christian Movement
• Zimbabwe Youth Movement
• Other organisations