Statement on Zimbabwe

In June 2008, just prior to the presidential run-off elections in Zimbabwe, the Foundation mobilised a coalition of African civil society leaders to condemn the violence and express their support for the people of Zimbabwe.

The coalition issued the following statement:

It is crucial for the interests of both Zimbabwe and Africa that the upcoming elections are free and fair.

Zimbabweans fought for liberation in order to be able to determine their own future. Great sacrifices were made during the liberation struggle. To live up to the aspirations of those who sacrificed, it is vital that nothing is done to deny the legitimate expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

As Africans we consider the forthcoming elections to be critical. We are aware of the attention of the world. More significantly we are conscious of the huge number of Africans who want to see a stable, democratic and peaceful Zimbabwe.

Consequently, we are deeply troubled by the current reports of intimidation, harassment and violence. It is vital that the appropriate conditions are created so that the Presidential run-off is conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner. Only then can the political parties conduct their election campaigning in a way that enables the citizens to express freely their political will.

In this context, we call for an end to the violence and intimidation, and the restoration of full access for humanitarian and aid agencies.

To this end it will be necessary to have an adequate number of independent electoral observers, both during the election process and to verify the results.

Whatever the outcome of the election, it will be vital for all Zimbabweans to come together in a spirit of reconciliation to secure Zimbabwe's future.

We further call upon African leaders at all levels - pan-African, regional and national - and their institutions to ensure the achievement of these objectives.

• The statement and signatories
• View all resources from the library

The statement was published as an advert in major international, South African and Zimbabwean newspapers and received widespread media coverage.

• The Namibian, 13/06/2008, African Civil Society Leads The Way
• Reuters, 13/06/2008, Africa's former leaders urge free Zimbabwe vote
• Zimbabwe Guardian, 13/06/2008, Your shouts: Call to end violence by regional leaders
• Jeune Afrique (France), 15/06/2008, L'appel des Africains
• The Independent (South Africa), 18/06/2008, Former African leaders call for free, fair poll in Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwean Independent, 19/06/2009, African Leaders Condemn Violence
• Mmegi (Botswana), 20/06/2008, Is Mugabe blackmailing Mbeki?

Picture of statement calling for fair elections in Zimbabwe » Enlarge