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Enough is enough

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It seemed as if the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had given up on the notion that regional leaders and the international community would, or could, help Zimbabwe out of the current crisis. In fact Tendai Biti stated recently that the international community could not be looked to for support.

Then this weekend the MDC pulled out of the election citing a very good reason: the unfair electoral environment, which includes very high levels of state orchestrated violence. But worryingly, the MDC believes that their withdrawal from the election will encourage SADC and regional leaders to put pressure on Mugabe to either step down or negotiate a settlement to end the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Mugabe, however, does not negotiate.

And while the MDC’s withdrawal from the election appears to be supported by much of the electorate, any suggestion of a Government of National Unity (GNU) is met with rejection.

The MDC needs to immediately set down some demands to test the political will of our neighbours and international supporters. Let’s start by asking South Africa to impose full sanctions, both economic and travel, on Zimbabwe sending Mugabe a very clear message that enough is enough.

I believe that our neighbours will continue to lead Tsvangirai by the nose, placating him with suggestions that progress will be made through peace talks.

Peace talks with a dictator whose election posters proclaim that this is the “final battle for total control?”

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