work of the Parliament-led Constitutional Outreach Programme which was
scheduled to end in Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Harare last weekend.
After considering all the evidence from our COPAC teams and from
independent monitors and observers drawn from civil society, the
leadership noted with concern the reported loss of life; the
disruptions; and the violence which marred the process. This process
fails to pass the test of legitimacy, credibility and people-
drivenness.
We have noted with concern the militarisation of the process,
interfering with a purely civilian process. Reports from all over the
country show the heavy involvement of the military in the process. In
the rural areas, ordinary people were under siege from similar cases
of military meddling. The military and state agents’ involvement must
be investigated and the principals must meet immediately to map the
way forward.
So messy was the process that it rendered the hearings unnecessary and
out of step with the slightest meaning of what could possibly be
regarded as a people-driven Constitution-making process. The
resurgence of violence is disturbing, much as it is regrettable, for
it simply derails our national path to a new dispensation. The spirit
of togetherness which was beginning to firm countrywide could easily
be lost if we regress into the past and pursue a programme of conflict
and confrontation which brought this beautiful country to its knees
during the past 30 years.
The needless violence and loss of life is a stark reminder to our dark
past and a serious threat to our common future. Zimbabwe’s vision can
never be determined by thuggery and lawlessness. Neither can a nation
put forward a claim to civility and dignity through intolerance and
banditry. Although the majority of our people are poor, their
interests are clearly defined.
They want real change; they want peace and prosperity; national
stability; jobs; food and a bright future for their children. They put
their trust and faith in the Inclusive Government as the best option
for the country. Anyone out of this national frame of thought and
sentiment stands no chance to stop us from realising our common
destiny as a people.
The senseless intervention of partisan gangs aided by state agents in
what should be a platform for a constructive national endeavour is
unfortunate and unnecessary. A national constitution is not a party
manifesto; a constitution is not an election message; a constitution
is an all inclusive, holistic set of guiding values for a nation based
on a shared storehouse of communal ethics, a defining culture and a
compelling philosophy.
Violence and intolerance have no place in such a revered guide which
should bind us as a family in a community of nations. For two years,
the MDC has counselled patience in our restless community; we have
appealed for calm and perseverance; we have begun to sew together a
nation that was dismembered by scenes similar to what we witnessed at
the weekend.
For two years, we have confounded critics and doubters about our
ability to restore our national esteem and national dignity; we have
created platforms for dialogue and set the stage for unity of purpose,
in the firm belief that our adversaries would see reason and
patriotism as baseline principles for Zimbabwe’s return to a normal
society.
Having carefully considered our position, and as directed by SADC, I
am going to meet with other principals to map the way forward.
Thank you
