“The two weeks was not imposed by SADC. Out of
this they know what has to be done and what is possible to be done. It is clear
there are reforms but you don’t do reforms in two weeks. It’s clear for all of
us. But we all agreed that the time to hold an election in Zimbabwe has come," said Salomao
Finance Minister Tendai Biti revealed last week that
although Zimbabwe is set to hold general elections next month it has still not
secured funding for the polls. But Salomão said this issue was not discussed at
the summit although he said consultations are underway among member states to
find out how they can assist Zimbabwe.
SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomão has cleared two
important points:
1)
That SADC is not under any illusions that any
meaningful reforms could have been implemented in the two weeks. Back in
February/ March some of us said voting yes to the Copac constitution would slam
the door to reforms shut. Evens and time have proven us right!
MDC’s talk of implementing reform after the
SADC meeting was all hot air, as some of us pointed out.
2)
SADC did not even discuss the matter of who is
going to bankroll the elections. Mugabe has at least $4 billion from the sale
of Marange diamonds (he made $2 b in 2012 alone) but that is to be used to fund
his own and Zanu PF campaign.
This is going to work to Mugabe’s great
advantage in two ways a) lack of national funds will now be as an excuse for
making everything even more chaotic than ever. The muddier the waters the
easier it is to rig the process. b) the full war-chest gives Mugabe and Zanu PF
an unparalleled financial advantage and in Zimbabwe money talks the loudest!
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said: “The last four years have been a painful
transition characterized by the absence of a genuine partner to the cause, a period which saw unilateral decisions being made, agreements not being fulfilled, U-turns on agreed positions and at all material times constant and vicious media attacks on my person, my government Ministers and my party.
“The only reason why we continued to hang in there was our desire to
serve our people and to respect your directives and resolutions as SADC.”!
Mr Prime Minister, everyone knows the only time you threatened to walk out of the GNU was when Mugabe would not allow you to live in Zimbabwe House or State House. Mugabe then gave you the $3 million to build your mansion and from there on you have done everything to appease Mugabe. Indeed you have not implemented even one reform and then accept the weak Copac constitution because doing otherwise would have upset Mugabe.
Even SADC leaders are aware of your breath taking incompetence and they have openly said of you and your fellow MDC leaders that you have forgotten why you were in the GNU!
So Mr Prime Minister please spare us all these lies; we all know what you have been doing these last five years.
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