News

21 March 2007



Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomao

Executive Secretary

Southern African Development Community

Private Bag 0095

GABORONE

Botswana



Dear Dr. Salomao,



THE ZIMBABWE SITUATION

We have the honour to bring to your attention our deep concerns about the situation in Zimbabwe. Our concerns are as a result of past and recent events in that country.

The Southern African Trade Union Co-ordination Council (SATUCC) is deeply concerned with the recent developments in Zimbabwe particularly in regard to the rule of law, which appears not to be adhered to by the government of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Last year (13 September 2006) the Zimbabwe police assaulted and caused serious bodily injuries to the President, Vice-President, Secretary General and some members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

This year (12 March 2007) the Zimbabwe police used excessive force on a gathering for prayer. In the course of police operation, one person was shot dead.

Much as SATUCC advocates for adherence to, and respect for the laws of the land, we at the same time do not condone any manner of brutality by any State on their citizenry. For this is a breach and violation of the rule of law. What happened in Zimbabwe, as mentioned above, demonstrates a clear violation of the rule of law.

The situation in Zimbabwe is increasingly degenerating into a deeper crisis, which if left unchecked, will undoubtedly have consequential effect on the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States, in particular and African Union (AU) Member States in general.

It is because of what is happening in Zimbabwe that we would like to urge the Community to take the necessary measures to bring an end the apparent wanton disregard for human rights.

We are convinced that the situation obtaining in Zimbabwe, by its nature and character, is a conflict that calls for urgent attention and intervention by the SADC. In this regard therefore, and in view of the fact that Zimbabwe is in a situation of intra-state conflict, it is incumbent upon SADC Member States, through the relevant instruments and institutions, to intervene before the situation deteriorates further. We are equally convinced that the relevant instruments of the Community, if applied effectively and to the letter and spirit therein, could avert the escalation of conflict.

By stating the above, we believe that application of provisions of the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, to which all SADC Member States are signatory, would be most appropriate. Article 2 (2) (a), stipulates the specific objectives of the Organ, inter alia, as being to protect people and safe guard the development of the Region against instability arising from the breakdown of law and order, intra-state conflict, inter-state conflict and aggression.

In respect to CONFLICT PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT AND RESOLUTION, Article 11 (2)(b)(i), of the Protocol states as follows: The Organ may seek to resolve any significant intra-state conflict within the territory of a State Party and a `significant intra-state conflict` shall include:

(i) large-scale violence between sections of the population or between the state and sections of the population…

In view of the above, we would like to request your good offices to communicate our genuine concerns to relevant institutions of SADC and the Republic of Zimbabwe.



Meanwhile, accept Sir, our sincere appreciation and assurances for continued co-operation.



Sincerely,



Moses T Kachima

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY