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Statement by youth formations in Zimbabwe on the political transition
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
August 27, 2008

Recognizing the importance and indispensable role that youths play in nation building and in particular the role they could play in the troubled socio-economic political transition facing Zimbabwe, which is characterized by political polarization, violence, impunity, social service delivery collapse and economic malaise.

Acknowledging the importance of inclusive national dialogue to resolve the Zimbabwean crisis, and the role SADC and the AU are playing to assist the Zimbabwean political parties to reach an agreement.

Disturbed by the intransigence of Zanu PF to allow for the expression of the will of the people as expressed on the 29th of March 2008 in the Harmonized elections, and the subsequent collapse of the inter-party talks with the appointment of Resident Ministers that we hoped would be part of the dialogue.

Having met and discussed our role as youths in the transitional process: We the Youth formations in Zimbabwe resolved the following:

1. Urgently petition the SADC and the African Union to register our discontent over the visibly collapsed talks and urge them to help resume the talks on the following basis: A transitional authority with a specific timeline; nitiating a process of a people driven constitution making; addressing the economic and social service delivery collapse; disbanding of militia bases and releasing of political detainees
2. Resolve that the talks should be driven by Parliament and the Civic Society and other important stakeholders
3. President Thabo Mbeki be removed from being the mediator as he has failed to help bring a solution and since now he is the Chair of SADC, there is a conflict of interest.
4. Hold national consultative meetings with youth formations countrywide to chart a youth strategy and way forward on the troubled transition of Zimbabwe.
5. Interrogate the MOU so that it is more reflective of the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe.
6. Call for the immediate lifting of the ban on Humanitarian organizations.
7. Formulate alternative policies as we prepare for a new transition (Education, health and economic policies)
8. The President of Zanu PF (R. Mugabe) is not a legitimate leader to lead the nation and should relinquish power.
9. Call for mass mobilization to force the regime of Mugabe to respect the wishes of the people.

Participating organizations

• Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
• Student Solidarity Trust (SST )
• Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)
• National Movement of Catholic student (NMCS)
• Build a Better Youth (BABY)
• Youth Agenda
• Artists for Democracy Zimbabwe Trust (ADZT)
• Restoration Of Human Rights (ROHR)
• Zimbabwe Poets for Human Rights
• Achieve Your Goal Trust (AYGT)
• Youth Forum
• Young Christian Students (YCS)

Visit the ZINASU fact sheet

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