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Email this citationCIAO DATE: 03/04
Zimbabwe's Election: The Stakes for Southern Africa
January 2002
Abstract
Since the intensification of Zimbabwe's political, economic and humanitarian crisis following defeat of a government-sponsored constitution in a national referendum nearly two years ago, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has documented the escalation of state-sponsored violence and erosion of the rule of law. ICG has called for robust action by the international community, especially Zimbabwe's neighbours and partners in the regional Southern African Development Community (SADC). As the March presidential election draws nearer, and state violence, intimidation and rigging intensify, action by South Africa and its SADC partners becomes more urgent. Zimbabwe's neighbours have a major opportunity to respond more forcefully to the growing crisis at a Summit in Malawi on 13-14 January 2002 and its aftermath. This briefing paper updates the regional dimensions of the crisis, and analyses SADC's policy options, with a special emphasis on its most powerful member, South Africa.
Nelson Mandela came to the presidency in South Africa proclaiming, "human rights will be the light that guides our foreign policy". His successor, Thabo Mbeki, called for an African Renaissance and an end to the dictatorships that have disfigured the continent's political landscape. Their principles have been severely tested in the context of the regional response to the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. The quiet diplomacy pursued by South Africa and SADC for the past eighteen months has failed to influence President Mugabe's government while the region has been tarred with an image of violence, instability and abandonment of the rule of law.
