Supporting Democracy in Zimbabwe |
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Beschrijving: 'How can this government say that things are really changing when Mugabe is still in control of the army and the police?' The new government of Zimbabwe poses a difficult dilemma for the international community. It does not speak in one voice. It includes president Robert Mugabe and his faithful in the government and the military, who defend the status quo. And it consists of former opposition leaders now in government, including Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Minister of Finance Tendai Biti, who are committed to democratic reforms and the reconstruction of Zimbabwe. The international community, including the Dutch government, wants to see genuine reforms before it resumes aid to Zimbabwe. But should we therefore not precisely support reformers working within the government and society at large? The current 'smart sanctions' target those government officials responsible for the abuse of state power in Zimbabwe. Shouldn't we think of providing 'smart support' for government officials responsible for providing the essential services, such as food, health and education, and those who press for the restoration of democratic rights, a revised constitution, and new elections. Should the Netherlands resume aid to Zimbabwe, considering their change in political power? Minister Mangoma is first to speak. According to him the fact that the former opposition parties are now working together with Zanu-PF, is a clear strategic choice. Winning elections and failing to become power of State led to a vicious circle that needed to be broken. It was also considered important to keep Mugabe a part of the government to prevent a clash in the country. This new government is a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe. There is hope now, and to keep the hope alive, Zimbabwe needs help for further development, so that Zimbabwe can soon be self-sufficient. Welshman Ncube elaborates a bit further on political reforms. The opposition sees this transition period as a way of creating a democratic political framework. So that when the next election comes, its impossible to go against the will of the people. This government of unity signed a document for political reforms. Three quarters of the changes towards democracy have already been implemented. Its an open and transparent process for the people and will take about 22 months to finish. They are making a lot of progress with the political reform, but simultaneously there is also need for economical reform. Help is needed to achieve this. Dewa Mavhinga speaks as a human right lawyer, but not on behalf of the organisation he is working for. He says that Zimbabwe is suffering from a huge man made crisis, perpetrated by Zanu-PF. Zanu-PF unleashed violence against MDC supporters on the way to the elections last year. The difficult thing now is that a lot of the perpetrators are still in their positions. Also the exercise of authority is still in the hands of Zanu-PF, which control the army and the police. Zimbabwe indeed needs help, but there is need for guarantees. People need to know that the future is going to be different and that the people of the old regime will not regain any more strength. Henk Jan Ormel is impressed by the story of the Ministers and the difficulties they have to deal with. He refers to an anology given by Minister Mangoma confirming that Zimbabwe has a madman as its leader and he thinks that they should get rid of the madman first. That statement causes a lot of uproar in the audience. Minister Ncubes reaction is that pushing Mugabe over the edge would not help the country, but would have caused an outrage. Lilianne Ploumen says that its a courageous thing to do; becoming part of a government with a party one has battled for years. “However, that does not make it the government we want it to be.” When it comes to the request for help, its important for her to know: “How are you accountable for the Zimbabweans?” For example when it comes to financial management, management of the military and making sure that there will be justice. Then it is time for the audience. A lot of the questions concern the collaboration between Zanu-PF and the opposition parties in the new government and the power Zanu-PF still has. The Ministers of Zimbabwe are saying that its their strategic choice to beat the enemy from inside. That doesn't mean they are friends with Zanu-PF. According to them the only goal Zanu-PF has with this government is that it fails. Failure of this government will make Mugabe stronger. That's why they, as representatives of the former opposition parties in this new government, request for assistance, so they will make he transition government a success, lead it to honest elections and then gain executive power for a healthy Zimbabwe. The Zimbawean Ministers and the Zimbabwean human rights lawyer all pleaded for helping Zimbabwe. The CDA and the PvdA have a different approach. The CDA wants Mugabe to leave office first, the PvdA wants the current government to make clear how they will be accountable to their people and to the donors that this government will make a real change. The audience feels that the Zimbabwean people should be helped but is also sceptical about the intentions of the new government: 'How can this government say that things are really changing when Mugabe is still in control of the army and the police?' The Ministers answered that Mugabe’s power is weakening, and that his position is becoming more and more ceremonial, not being able to decide on his own. Most things for instance also need to be approved by former opposition leader and current Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai or Parliament. The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) has invited Zimbabwe's Prof Welshman Ncube, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Mr Elton Mangoma Minister of Economic Planning and Investment to discuss these crucial issues for the future of Zimbabwe with Zimbabwe Watch guest Dewa Mavhinga of Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, and a panel of Dutch politicians and visitors of the Afrikadag. Spoken language: English Organised by: NIMD |
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| Capaciteit van de zaal: 100 | ||||||
| Aantal beschikbare plaatsen: 22 | ||||||
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