Back to Index

This article participates on the following special index pages:

NANGO responds to talks deal
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe (NANGO)
July 22, 2008

The National Association of Non Governmental Organisations (NANGO) representing Non Governmental Organisations operating in Zimbabwe notes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara representing ZANU-PF and the two MDC factions under the auspices of the Mbeki led mediation process.

This deal follows on from the political impasse that resulted from the flawed 2008 Harmonized Elections. The MOU ostensibly puts in place a framework for negotiations between the political parties to supposedly create a "genuine, viable, permanent and sustainable solution to the Zimbabwean situation". It sets the agenda for the talks as being to dialogue on the objectives, priorities and framework for a new government as well as its implementation mechanisms. According to the MOU a global political agreement shall be reached within two weeks after the signing of the MOU.

A reference group consisting of representatives from SADC, AU and the UN has been established to support South African President Thabo Mbeki in his mission to mediate between the parties during the negotiations.

On the occasion of the signing of the "deal" NANGO reiterates the earlier concerns raised by Civil Society e.g in the Make our Vote Count Declaration of 17 April 2008 about the disappointing failure of the SADC led mediation process to include the voices of other critical stakeholders in Zimbabwe such as Civil Society. Neither the MOU, nor the parties to the negotiations or the SADC Facilitator have mentioned consultations with Zimbabwean Civil Society during the negotiations.

To ensure that a solution that reflects the true will of the people is found, NANGO believes that consultations with Civil Society are essential. NANGO therefore calls upon President Thabo Mbeki and the negotiating parties to expand the mediation Reference Group to include representatives from Zimbabwean Civil Society.

NANGO reiterates the earlier pronounced position by Civil Society in the "Declaration Regarding a Transition to Democracy in Zimbabwe" of 15 July 2008 - which refused all movements towards elitist power sharing arrangements.

NANGO further endorses the position adopted by Civil Society on 15 July 2008 calling for the establishment of a transitional government lead by an impartial person - neither being member of MDC or ZANU-PF - with the mandate to oversee the drafting of a new people-driven constitution and the subsequent facilitation of free and fair elections.

NANGO urges for the following critical steps to create a conducive environment for open negotiations by all stakeholders in Zimbabwe towards a just and democratic society:

1. Cessation of political violence,
2. Re-establishment of law and order,
3. Lift of ban on field operations of Non Governmental Organisations to lessen the disastrous impact the ban has on the life of millions of Zimbabweans e.g. children, women, the disabled, the elderly, People living with HIV/AIDS,
4. Immediate cessation of violation, intimidation and harassment of Non Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Activists and Human Rights Defenders,
5. Restoration of good governance particularly through the depoliticisation, demilitarization and reform of Institutions of state such as the judiciary and welfare agencies,
6. And the establishment of a transitional government with a time bound mandate to oversee the drafting of a people driven constitution and the subsequent facilitation of free and fair elections and the implementation of victim-centered transitional justice initiatives bringing to justice the perpetrators of gross human rights violations and promoting national healing.

Visit the NANGO fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP