Zambia urges rethink on ‘sinking’ Zimbabwe

By Lance Guma
21 March 2007

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa broke ranks with fellow African leaders and urged Southern Africa to take a new approach on Zimbabwe. Mwanawasa likened Zimbabwe to a ‘sinking Titanic’ saying millions of people are fleeing the economic and political turmoil. His comments fly in the face of weak messages of concern coming from the South African government after opposition leaders were beaten up by police and suspected militia hit squads.

Mwanawasa said SADC had failed to achieve much in negotiations with Mugabe. ‘Quiet diplomacy has failed to help solve the political chaos and economic meltdown in Zimbabwe,’ he said while on trip in neighbouring Namibia. ‘As I speak right now, one SADC country has sunk into such economic difficulties that it may be likened to a sinking Titanic whose passengers are jumping out in a bid to save their lives.’

Newspapers in Zambia also report that Mwanawasa has suggested SADC take a stand on Zimbabwe. The organisation is meeting in Tanzania next week where the situation in the country is certain to be prime on the agenda. ‘Zambia has so far been an advocate of quiet diplomacy and continues to believe in it. But the twist of events in the troubled country necessitates the adoption of a new approach,’ Mwanawasa said. ‘The ministers of foreign affairs will in the next few days meet over this matter," he added. He is also quoted as saying regional leaders will meet to discuss the situation.

A troika of SADC countries that includes Tanzania, Namibia and Lesotho has been assigned to spearhead talks on resolving the crisis. The MDC’s chief diplomat in the United Kingdom Hebson Makuvise says they are not surprised by Mwanawasa’s comments as events in Zimbabwe had become obvious to everyone. He however remained skeptical this could translate into a complete shift by other African countries.