On Monday, January 26th, regional leaders met once again to discuss a way forward for Zimbabwe. The outcome of the meeting held no surprises. An announcement was made after the meeting that a resolution had been reached with a definite timeline for implementation of a new government and power sharing on key ministries. However, there was silence on continued abuses of human rights and status of detained political activists, including a 2-year-old child who was detained with his parents. Surely there needs to be fundamental values such as freedom, dignity, and democracy that should inform any political process aimed at reversing the humanitarian crisis.
In response, the opposition party issued a counter statement expressing dissatisfaction at the agreement. They meet today to decide on whether or not they will be part of the latest agreement. Sadly, there are rumors of splits within the opposition party, a development that is potentially detrimental. Our prayers are for wisdom and vision that will enable leaders at this critical time to unite behind a cause greater than individual personalities, a cause for the welfare of Zimbabweans through a political process that will usher in a new era of democracy, human rights, and reversal of the humanitarian crisis.
In recent news, unaccompanied children as young as seven are reported to be fleeing Zimbabwe for neighbouring countries. How can this continue? It was heartening to hear U.S. President Barack Obama express concern over the situation in Zimabwe. Your continued prayer support is valued. Please continue to journey with us. God bless you.
Nontando Hadebe, a former Sojourners intern, is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.
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