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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Talks, dialogue, negotiations and GNU - Post June 2008 "elections" - Index of articles
We
stand up for democracy in Zimbabwe - Open letter to Robert Mugabe
African
Women Development and Communication Network (FEMNET)
July 09, 2008
Your Excellency,
The African Women Development and Communication Network (FEMNET),
a Pan- African Network working for the promotion and protection
of the rights of women and children in the Africa Region is greatly
disturbed by the unfolding events in this great African country
Zimbabwe.
We note with
concern the continued suffering of women and children in this country
who have been victimized for no apparent reason or cause. Ironically
their alleged crime is that they or their male relatives have participated
in the democratic process of their country and expressed their choice
of leadership for their country! The sham runoff election for presidency
held on the 27th of June was marred with pre- and post election
violence which has led to untold suffering for the people of Zimbabwe,
loss of life (for example over 220 people linked with the opposition
have died since March 2008), destruction of property and forced
displacement of people majority of whom are women and children and
in the process many have become victims of sexual abuse and other
forms of violations of their body integrity.
Mr. Mugabe,
you have a great history as one of the freedom fighters of Zimbabwe
and you will always be acknowledged and remembered for the great
contribution and sacrifice you personally made to bring freedom
to all the people of Zimbabwe. We acknowledge the complexity of
the situation in Zimbabwe. However, we believe that your continued
unlawful stay in power as the President of Zimbabwe is not benefiting
the majority of men and women of your country. Women and children
of comrades in the opposition have been deliberately attacked, many
have been forced out of their homes and fled the country, and others
are currently in safe custody with embassies of foreign countries
that still exist in your country. This is a real shame and a total
mockery of democracy. We strongly believe that your autocratic leadership
is a total disgrace to the people of Zimbabwe and the whole of Africa.
FEMNET joins
the Presidents of Africa countries and other civil society organizations
in Africa to condemn in the strongest terms the undemocratic elections
that took place in Zimbabwe on the 27th of June 2008. Your political
conduct is unacceptable and shameful to the entire continent of
Africa.
We therefore
call upon you Mr. Mugabe to do the following:
- To lead a
process not exceeding six months, that will result into a peaceful
hand over of power to new leaders that have credibility in the
eyes of the people of Zimbabwe, the African people and the international
community;
- To ensure
that an environment of peace, free from intimidation and political
violence is guaranteed by the Government of Zimbabwe for all people
both supporters of the ruling party and those in opposition. This
is an essential prerequisite for the peaceful process of transfer
of power and authority to the new leaders of Zimbabwe. It is a
constitutional right for citizens to have protection of their
rights to personal security and not to be subjected to any form
of abuse, torture, or inhuman treatment;
- To respect
the rights of the people of Zimbabwe to associate and form political
parties as part of the democratic process and to choose their
leaders. These rights are guaranteed in Article 22 of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 10 of the African
Charter on Human and People's Rights to which Zimbabwe is
a party. The Constitution of Zimbabwe also guarantees these rights
in Article 20 and 21.
- To ensure
that women and children of Zimbabwe are protected from unscrupulous
elements in society that are taking advantage of the unrest and
uncertainty and are abusing and disregarding their rights and
freedoms.
- To work towards
a legacy of facilitating a peaceful transfer of power to new leaders
in Zimbabwe by the end of 2008.
Note that in
solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe especially the women and
children of this great country, the women of Africa through FEMNET:
- Urge the
African Union and its member states and also SADC countries to
prevail upon you Mr. Mugabe to hand over power peacefully by December
2008 in order to transform the electoral and political crisis
in your country into an opportunity for the development of a sustainable
democracy.
- Demand for
the immediate cessation of all acts of political violence and
intimidation and all those engaging in acts of political violence,
especially militia and youth groups supported by your party in
power should be dealt with expeditiously in accordance with the
law. We urge all political parties of Zimbabwe to exercise restraint
and desist from employing intimidation and violent tactics.
- Call upon
your Government to guarantee the safety and freedom of all people
in Zimbabwe, especially women and children, irrespective of their
political beliefs and choices.
- Are committed
to stand with the women of Zimbabwe in and outside the country
at this very precarious moment. We shall continue speaking out
with courage against the undemocratic behaviour exhibited by different
parties involved in this crisis.
- Will continue
to strongly pressurize other leaders in the region to stand up
against Mr. Mugabe and for democracy in Africa.
Democracy shall
prevail.
Yours faithfully,
Norah Matovu
Winyi
ED
FEMNET
On behalf of the women' rights movement in Africa
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