DA calls for direct AU and UN involvement in Zimbabwe mediation talks

The fact that South Africa is taking over the chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from Zambia at this weekend's SADC summit in Sandton without a power-sharing agreement between Zimbabwe 's political rivals poses more challenges for President Mbeki's mediation efforts. By virtue of being both the chairperson of the SADC and mediator in the Zimbabwe , South Africa will be a player and referee in the negotiations.

When Zambia chaired the SADC, President Mbeki would brief President Levy Mwanawasa on progress regarding the talks. Mwanawasa also had powers to convene a special summit for addressing some of the developments which required urgent intervention from member states as he did with the delayed release of the 29 March Presidential election results. In this case, President Mbeki will have nobody to brief on developments but himself, unless the majority of member states agree to convene a special summit which is highly unlikely given the division of regional leaders over Zimbabwe.

Given that it also appears unlikely that a power sharing deal will be struck at the Sandton summit, it is imperative for the summit to consider various options which will maximize chances of resolving the Zimbabwe crisis. One way of doing this is to call for more direct involvement of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) in the mediation talks. The inclusion of the AU and UN to the mediation talks only as a reference group still leaves President Mbeki with the sole responsibility of spearheading the talks.

Despite the relative progress which has been made since Mbeki acceded to involvement of the AU and UN in the mediation process, it is clear he is struggling to convince the ZANU-PF and MDC to reach a power sharing agreement. Regional leaders at this weekend's summit must appoint a commission which President Mbeki must brief of all developments on his mediation when the summit is not in session. Pressurising Morgan Tsvangirai into a power sharing deal as reported in the media, will not assist in bringing democracy and economic recovery to Zimbabwe .

The chairmanship of the SADC provides President Mbeki with another opportunity to seek broader and viable assistance from the AU and UN to finally resolve this lengthy political impasse. Failure to let the AU and UN play a more meaningful role in the negotiations will aggravate the situation in Zimbabwe .

Statement issued by Tony Leon MP, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on foreign affairs, August 17 2008