South African opposition leader, Mmusi Maimane has condemned his government for refusing to take action on the political and economic problems facing Zimbabwe by perpetuating quite diplomacy.
Addressing exiled Zimbabwe opposition members gathered outside the Zimbabwe embassy in Pretoria where he had gone to formally handover a letter addressed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Maimane, the Democratic Alliance (DA) President blasted Ramaphosa for refusing to act on the challenges facing his neighboring country.
“Today we are here at the Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa to begin the process of ensuring peace and stability is restored in our neighboring Zimbabwe, and to see her people safe from violence and intimidation.
“Following weeks of relentless political instability and violence with no end in sight, we are compelled to act on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe and the SADC region.”
“The situation is Zimbabwe is dire. Widespread civilian suppression, military-led violence, and bloodshed has ensued – with 100’s arrested and detained by government authorities. Assault, torture, inhumane and degrading treatment of citizens continues while President Ramaphosa sits on his hands and refuses to take action.”
“To date there has been a complete absence of leadership from the South African government in general – and President Ramaphosa in particular. 10 days ago the DA formally approached the President, requesting he advise the nation on what steps the government will take in the immediate future to ensure an end to the violence in Zimbabwe and the full reinstatement of all civil liberties.
“Since then, no meaningful action has been taken by Ramaphosa or his government. The era of “quiet diplomacy” continues, as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has to date simply expressed confidence in “the measures being taken by the Zimbabwean government” which will “resolve the situation.”
He said, he is being pushed to intervene considering that neither the South African government nor regional bodies like African Union and Southern Africa Development Committee are keen to act on the Zimbabwean situation.
“In the absence of any meaningful intervention by either the South African government or regional African bodies such as SADC and the AU, I have no choice but to intervene in an effort to help find a peaceful resolution,” added Maimane.
He reinforced what his opposition counterpart and leader of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said a few days ago that they share the Zimbabwean problems and are compelled to stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.
“Their stories are our stories, and as democrats who stand for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of basic human rights, we must stand in solidarity with them and make our voices heard. The situation cannot continue any longer.”
Meanwhile, Maimane has submitted a letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa requesting for a meeting to discuss the obtaining situation in the country.
He is also expected to meet civil society and opposition leaders in his self driven agenda to find a solution to the country’s problems.
