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  • Talks, dialogue, negotiations and GNU - Post June 2008 "elections" - Index of articles


  • Zimbabwe Youth Network statement on the current political developments
    Zimbabwe Youth Network (ZYN)
    August 21, 2008

    The youth of Zimbabwe today join the people of Zambia and the region in mourning the untimely death of one of Africa's true son Dr Levi Mwanawasa. The work that he had begun is yet to be finished but we take comfort in that his life was a life worthy celebrating. His vision was to see a democratic SADC region and that vision will one-day come to pass. He has left us at a critical time when the region is under threat from leadership failure in Zimbabwe. We have however seen what he wished for the people of this once placid nation, now "a sinking titanic". May his soul rest in peace

    Today, the people of Zimbabwe have been plunged into a deep sea of uncertainty. The political powers that have been in negotiations for the past eight years and more critically the past four weeks have literally held our country at ransom. The Youth of Zimbabwe today wants to warn all powers that be that a time has come for all to be true to our motherland. It is no time for opportunism and political chicanery. The sad and regrettable developments that have taken place after the sham thing disguised by some as an election ought to be castigated and denounced by all who wish the people of Zimbabwe well.

    We have seen with grave concern the developments in so called SADC talks, which to us are not talks at all but a platform by an old boys club to try and stifle the will of the people of Zimbabwe to protect one dictator's interests. The talks to us are not negotiations but an imposition of the way forward on the mandated leader of the people President Tsvangirai. We have seen the pressure that Mr Tsvangirai has been subjected to by Zanu-PF and the Professors' faction to betray the wishes of the people. We however want to take this opportunity to salute President Tsvangirai for remaining resolute in the face of mighty belligerence. The youth of Zimbabwe will continue to rally behind a vision of a democratic Zimbabwe under the leadership of President Tsvangirai as spoken by the people on 29 March 2008

    We note with rage the trampling of the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe by SADC. We are left speechless by a body that contradicts its own eyes, voice and ears. Was it not the SADC, PAP and the AU observer missions that were clear that the events of 27 June in Zimbabwe were a non-event? Why is Mugabe invited as head of state in SADC meetings? We salute Mr Ian Khama for his vision and foresight. Its our sincere hope that SADC will not be remembered only by its name but a people centered body which will not compromise when it comes to democratic norms and standards. We still believe that the BODY can still redeem itself and that opportunity is provided by rescuing the people of Zimbabwe from mighty despotism and repression.

    The struggle for a new Zimbabwe has been long, bitter and protracted but we are not as yet prepared to sacrifice the revolution for personal gains or political expedients. The behaviour that has been displayed by the Mutambara/ Ncube faction is shocking and the betrayal of the decade. We are shocked that Mr Mutambara has today found the moral standing to lecture the people of Zimbabwe on the evils of the west!! A US trained professor, an American green card holder who is in the process of attaining an American citizenship, it is unbelievable: what hypocrisy. The youth of Zimbabwe are very conscious of who their enemy are Mr Proffesor. We deplore diversionary tactics to the real issues being tabled. What is at stake is the future of the people of Zimbabwe not American and Britons- we have nothing to do with them. The youth of Zimbabwe will continue to reiterate that the people will must be respected and upheld; those that have been rejected by the people must not seek to come into the echelons of power by technicalities and shenanigans. The people are watching.

    We however want to salute the winning parliamentarians from the Mutambara faction who in our engagements have made it clear that they will never side with the dictator. Their resolve to stand by the people and for the people is fuel for the struggle. We will soldier on. We want to assure these comrades that even when the time comes for you to break rank and file with the enemies of the people and power mongers the youth of Zimbabwe will be behind you all the way. The courage to count financial gain dung as you are showing is inspiration and motivation to the brutalized masses of Zimbabwe. History is on the side of the just.

    The youth of Zimbabwe do hereby this day reiterate that any transitional authority should be based on the March 29 election. This election in as much as it was inconclusive conferred mandate to Morgan Tsvangirai and took mandate from one, Robert Mugabe. We implore President Morgan Tsvangirai to hold fast to the wishes and aspirations of the people by not signing any deal that will not usher in a new Zimbabwe that we have fighting for in all these years. The Youth are behind you in your desire to see a prosperous Zimbabwe.

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