THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance has called on the South
African Development Community (Sadc) bloc’s incoming chairperson and Mozambican
President Filipe Nyusi to put Zimbabwe on the organisation’s agenda in light of
the country’ deepening political, socio-economic crises.
On Monday, Nyusi took over the Sadc chairmanship from his
Tanzanian counterpart, John Magufuli.
Change of leadership was also made at the Troika Organ on
Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation where President Emmerson Mnangagwa
handed over the chairmanship to Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
MDC Alliance secretary for foreign affairs Gladys Hlatywayo
yesterday said the Sadc bloc erred by not taking a strong stance against
Zimbabwe at the Monday summit which was held virtually.
“We note that the communiqué of the just-ended 40th
ordinary summit of the Sadc heads of State and government has omitted the
deteriorating governance and legitimacy crisis in Zimbabwe,” Hlatywayo said.
“Whereas the communiqué has taken note of the security
situations in some countries, including Mozambique and the Democratic Republic
of Congo, we urge regional leaders to equally pay attention to the deepening
crisis in Zimbabwe.”
“We urge Sadc to urgently intervene in Zimbabwe in line
with the Sadc Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security in order to maintain
regional peace and security.”
Hlatywayo accused Mnangagwa’s administration of hiding
behind the cover of COVID-19 to sustain a crackdown on dissenting voices,
resulting in a worsening human rights tramping in the country.
She highlighted there is now a security risk in Zimbabwe
due to the prevailing situation marred by the State’s heavy-handedness on its
defenceless citizens.
The MDC Alliance also accused the government of plotting to
decimate it by crumbling its councils and replacing them with pro-Zanu PF
functionaries.
Several MDC Alliance councillors across the country have
been arrested and are facing charges related to abuse of office.
The opposition’s secretary for local government Sesil
Zvidzai said Mnangagwa was desperate to “reverse the will of the people” who
voted into power the MDC Alliance councillors.
The MDC Alliance controls 27 out of 32 urban local
authorities across the country.
Several MDC Alliance legislators have also been recalled by
the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe, in what observers said was being done by the
ruling Zanu PF to decimate the opposition.
“The issue is clear that Mnangagwa’s crack unit which is
unconstitutional and unlawful is on a witch-hunt. It is an attempt to take away
what the progressive forces got from the people and repose it into rejected
Zanu PF,” Zvidzai said. Newsday
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