WOZA criticises talks without consultation
By Tererai Karimakwenda
July 23, 2008

Since Monday when ZANU-PF and the 2 MDC formations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defining conditions for talks, there have been several conflicting reports regarding the start date of the negotiations. The lack of such basic information has characterised the entire process, fueled by South African President Thabo Mbeki’s insistence on ‘quiet diplomacy.’

Some reports say the talks started on Tuesday, while others claim they would start on Wednesday. The state controlled Herald newspaper on Wednesday quoted Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa as saying that the talks were to begin on Thursday. But another report quoted South Africa's presidential spokesman, Mukoni Ratshitanga, as saying the talks are ‘in progress,’ at a secret location.

The MOU defined a two-week period during which the talks are to be concluded. Experts believe two weeks is not enough time to tackle the range of critical issues that need to be addressed. Meanwhile Zimbabweans, who are supposedly being represented by the political parties, continue to struggle with daily price increases and food, water and power shortages, without any clue as to when their suffering will end. It is not clear whether these current talks will lead to more talks on broader issues.

The Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/MOZA), a pressure group that has been conducting street protests over what they call bread and butter issues, released a statement on Wednesday criticising the negotiating parties for ignoring the needs of the people.

WOZA Coordinator Jenni Williams strongly criticised the parties for signing the MOU ‘without any consultation or any grasp of what the issues are,’ and said that ordinary Zimbabweans have never been given an overview of the mediation process. She said the mediation process also needs a neutral, impartial person who will put humanitarian needs and violence first.

The statement read in part: “These parties speed along preoccupied with their own importance, hardly ever taking the off-ramp to consult with the suffering masses.”

Williams described the daily struggles faced by millions of Zimbabweans as ‘torture’. She said the Mugabe regime has continued the campaign of murder, assault and torture against innocent civilians. “ZANU-PF just doesn’t care.” she added. The outspoken activist said there is much distrust among people in the communities, due to the presence of youth militia, intelligence agents and war veterans around the country.

WOZA listed several demands to resolve the political and economic crisis. Among the demands is a demilitarisation of the state, giving way to a transitional authority that would have an 18-month term, to oversee the drafting of a new constitution and to organise elections.

WOZA is also calling for the involvement of the business and professional community in developing policies designed to bring about economic recovery. The group wants a second reference group assigned to monitor the situation on the ground.

The complete WOZA statement can be found on our site.