PRESS STATEMENT BY THE BOTSWANA CIVIL SOCIETY SOLIDARITY COALITION FOR ZIMBABWE (BOCISCOZ)

BOCISCOZ responds to reports that talks on Zimbabwe have stalled

We, The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe (BOCISCOZ), are very concerned about reports that the talks between the Zanu-PF and both factions of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have stalled.  The scheduled timeframe of two (2) weeks which have been allocated to the process in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by these parties on 21 July will soon expire. 

BOCISCOZ, as part of regional civil society working on the Zimbabwe question, have been part of reflections on appropriate forms of governance structures to enable progress towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing socio-political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.

BOCISCOZ continues to receive reports that following the run-off elections, violence is still endemic in Zimbabwe.  The humanitarian crisis is also worsening as reflected by reported shortages of local currency, food and medical supplies.

We have observed, with concern, the direction in which the current talks appear to be going.  To ensure that Botswana civil society and Zimbabweans in Botswana can engage with the emerging governance issues and can make informed contributions towards the restoration of peace and democracy in Zimbabwe, BOCISCOZ is hosting a half-day seminar on Thursday 31 July 2008 at Boipuso Hall.   In this seminar, we shall be addressed on the talks by civil society colleagues from Zimbabwe.  We intend to examine the Memorandum of Understanding, the various governance structures which include the government of national unity as well as the transitional authority and the current situation in Zimbabwe.  It will be from these discussions that a petition will be developed.

On Friday 1 August, a peaceful march has been organised by BOCISCOZ to deliver this petition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Government of Botswana, the South African High Commission, MDC and Zanu-PF representatives in Botswana.  The march will begin at White City and end at the Gaborone Senior Secondary School Grounds.

30 July 2008
Gaborone