http://www.pambazuka.org/images/articles/365/47644muga.jpgThe Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organisations, supports the efforts of its colleagues in the Lwas Society of East Africa when it hosted an emergency consultation on ‘Africa Taking the Initiative on the Zimbabwe Election Crisis’ held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 21st April.  The meeting brought together the finest African minds from over 100 civic and legal organisations from all over the continent. 
 
After lengthy discussions on the Zimbabwean situation it was concluded that, in spite of what President Mbeki and Minister Sgaoyoyo Magongo might find politically or personally expedient, it is most definitely a crisis.  In fact it is multiple crises of democracy, security, the rule of law, constitutionalism, independence, freedom of speech, safety of people, the role of the police and military and the death free and fair elections.  It calls Mugabe’s post election actions simply and clearly a military lead de facto coup d’etat.   

Three weeks delay in counting only the presidential vote is a crisis of due process.

Calling for a recount before the result of the count is announced is a crisis of free and fair election law.

Assaulting citizens and killing them on the basis of their vote is a crisis that goes to the heart of democracy – the secrecy of the vote.
Ordering a shipment of arms 2 days after the election in times of peace when no external aggression is present is a crisis of internal repression and of international law. 

We concur with the East African Law Society when we say that the Mbeki lead process has contributed to the greatest failure of all – the will of the majority of the long suffering people of Zimbabwe has been systematically and structurally stolen. 
 
We call on the AU to replace the SADC / Mbeki driven mediation process with one of the calibre that was appointed to address the recent problems in Kenya. 
We also call on the AU and its Commission on Human and People’s Rights to appoint special rapporteurs to investigate the horrific allegations that are coming from many independent and respected sources of planned and programmed human rights abuses. 

We also call on SADC, AU and the world to turn their backs on the so called Mugabe Government and not to recognise its legitimacy.  We call on a complete embargo on any form of weapons shipments to be imported to the country and we support the moral courage of the African Trade Unions in preventing the Chinese shipment from landing in Durban and Maputo. 
 
We finally call on our King Mswati III as he meets President Thabo Mbeki to use their collective influence to ensure that the legitimate will of the people of Zimbabwe to elect a government of their choice is restored and respected and reflects the true results of the 29 March elections. 

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