MDC President Douglas Mwonzora underscored the significance of engaging with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the recent summit in Harare, highlighting his party’s commitment to dialogue and interaction with regional leaders. Mwonzora stressed the importance of not boycotting such events, stating, “We have always wanted to interact with SADC, with the heads of state, and the leadership within the region. We can only do this if we do not boycott these events.”
Mwonzora viewed the summit as a critical opportunity to bring Zimbabwe’s pressing issues to the forefront. “Today is a good opportunity for us to interact with ministers and some leaders on the sidelines of the summit. It is also critically important that we present our issues to SADC,” he said. He outlined several key concerns, including respect for the constitution, particularly regarding the contentious third term issue, the need for free and fair elections, and the importance of the diaspora vote. Mwonzora also emphasized the significance of inclusive economic growth and regional integration.
Positioning the MDC as a “government in waiting,” Mwonzora made it clear that his party’s strategy involves direct engagement with SADC’s leadership. He addressed the contrasting approach of other Zimbabwean factions who chose to boycott the summit, stating, “There are other Zimbabweans who thought they should boycott and badmouth the summit. We don’t share that view. We believe in dialogue with the heads of state, the Secretariat, and the ministers within SADC.”
Regarding the benefits for ordinary Zimbabweans from Zimbabwe assuming the SADC chairmanship, Mwonzora highlighted the accessibility of SADC now that its operations are based in Zimbabwe. “SADC is now within Zimbabwe, so if you want to approach SADC, you don’t have to board a bus or plane to go outside the country,” he explained. He added that this proximity also allows for peer pressure on Zimbabwe regarding human rights issues and inclusive economic growth, ultimately benefiting citizens.
Mwonzora’s participation in the summit reflects his party’s strategy to leverage regional platforms to advocate for key national issues, aiming to ensure that Zimbabwe’s concerns are addressed at the highest levels of SADC leadership.
