Zuma's Facilitation Team Told of Lack of Progress in Zimbabwe
Blessing Zulu
The two formations of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have expressed serious concern at the slow pace of reforms ahead of possible elections next year in lengthly meetings Wednesday with President Jacob Zuma’s facilitation team.
Mr Zuma's two-member facilitation team, comprising Charles Nqakula and Mac Maharaj, arrived in Harare on Tuesday night for two-day talks with the three parties in the wobbly government of national unity.
Mr. Zuma is the Southern African Development Community-appointed facilitator in Harare.
Zanu PF negotiator and Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa told state radio that the team was keen to get an update on the draft constitution as well as the operations of the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC).
The MDC formations, which met the facilitation team Wednesday, expressed concern that Zanu PF is stalling key reforms and pushing for elections in March.
But Zanu PF sources told VOA that they are happy with the pace of the reforms and in turn blamed the MDC formations for delays affecting progress in the GNU.
Chinamasa said Mr. Zuma’s team would be appraised on the latest developments regarding the draft constitution and sources say Zanu PF feels everything is on track.
Chinamasa was not immediately available for comment.
But secretary general Tendai Biti of the MDC formation led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said the sluggish pace of reforms is frustrating.
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Interview With Tendai Biti
Secretary general Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga of the MDC formation of Industry Minister Welshman Ncube concured noting that Zanu PF is the stummbling block.
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Interview With Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga
Meanwhile, civic groups led by the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition continue with their regional diplomatic offensive to put pressure on SADC to ensure democratic reforms in Harare are implemented ahead of the crucial polls.
The civic groups have sent teams to the SADC chair president Armando Guebuzza of Mozambique and President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, who’s the regional block's troika chair.
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition regional cordinator Phillan Zamchiya said the region is aware of the need for urgent reforms in Harare.
