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Statement on EU 3183rd Foreign Affairs Council Meeting conclusions on Zimbabwe: Your sanctions are being removed; now remove the sanction on us
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
July 24, 2012

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (The Coalition) commends the good will being shown by the European Union (EU) to normalise relations with the Inclusive Government of Zimbabwe, and efforts of constructive dialogue between the two. The Coalition also recognises efforts by parties within The Inclusive government in terms of implementing the Global Political Agreement (GPA), which The Coalition asserts, as commendable but inadequate, unsatisfactory and normative.

The 3183rd EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting 's decision on Zimbabwe which is premised on the recognition of progress made by the Inclusive government to improve the freedom and prosperity of the Zimbabwean populace, is a clear sign of good faith by the European Union, which the Inclusive Government marginally deserves. While there have been indicators of normative progress where implementation of the Global Political Agreement is concerned, the Inclusive Government is still lagging behind in terms of transforming this normative progress into real and meaningful freedom and prosperity for the people of Zimbabwe through sound economic recovery, human development and political stability.

Since the EU's meeting in February 2012 and the subsequent meeting between the High Representative Ashton and the Zimbabwe Ministerial Re-engagement Team in May 2012, there has been normative progress towards the implementation of the GPA by the Inclusive Government of Zimbabwe. The Coalition has witnessed marginal improvements in the political, social and economic environment, which can largely be attributed to the absence of political competition, raising fears of whether this will hold in an election year. In addition, the normative progress that has been made through parliamentary reforms on elections and the Human Rights Commission is seriously being hampered by:

1. Selective application of the Law, arbitrary arrests, long incarcerations, and impunity of violators of human rights.

2. Continued presence, utterances and interference by the military in Civilian political matters and a lack of political will to realign this critical sector,

3. Inordinate delays in putting in place key democratic reforms including the constitution making process, the legislation of the Human Rights Commission, Electoral amendments and other critical pieces of legislation.

4. Continued non-existence of free political activity as seen through disruption of rallies, peaceful marches and meetings organised by political players and civil society.

5. Bad governance and opaque administration of national resources especially proceeds from the Marange Diamond Fields.

In light of the above, and the European Union's stated good will, The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition implores the EU to:

1. Set their benchmarks higher than the stated referendum as the Constitution Making Process is almost a fait accompli whose conduct and environment will not be a key indicator on how elections will be conducted, which remains the key area of concern for most Zimbabweans.

2. Take an interest in not just change and progress but also the quality of change and progress, where implementation of the GPA is concerned.

3. As part of their engagements with the Inclusive Government of Zimbabwe, emphasise and encourage the state to focus on implementing the SADC Road Map to elections, with a special focus on ensuring security of persons, security of the vote and security the people's will.

4. Continue supporting the people of Zimbabwe, with a clear understanding that the people of Zimbabwe are more than just political actors, and as such dialogue with them should be informed and encompass a broader cross section of the Zimbabwean public.

5. Encourage parties to the GPA to focus on full implementation of the GPA beyond the normative steps that they have largely been taking, in order to achieve the desired end of a credible electoral process whose outcome and legitimacy will not be contested.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition also urges the Inclusive Government, to:

1. Reciprocate the good will that has been shown by the European Union through holding their end of the bargain.

2. Prioritise the process of removing the sanctions placed on the people of Zimbabwe through draconian laws, selective application of the law, political violence and intimidation and the fettering of free expression, speech and political activity.

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe fact sheet

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