SADC still 'evades' Zimbabwe issue

In spite of a lambasting by the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan yesterday, SADC's keeping a low profile on Zimbabwe. In his opening address SADC Chairperson Levy Mwanawasa stayed clear of the topic, focusing on food prices.

The summit in Mauritius ended today with a call for the revision of all member-countries' policies on poverty eradication.

Speakers from SADC focused attention on soaring food prices. But the international guests reminded SADC leaders of the long term impact an unstable Zimbabwe will have on their goals. The situation in that country will almost certainly have a negative impact on the regional attempt to fight poverty.

"You are better placed to solve this situation and you have to do something about Zimbabwe," says EU Commissioner Louis Michel.

Solution possible
While Zimbabwe wasn't on the agenda, on the sideline SADC leaders were still confident that a solution can be found. "If you look at what President Mbeki has achieved over time, it'll be unfair to say he must recuse himself," says Lesotho foreign affairs minister Kenneth Tsekoa.

"Indeed there are people who have made their own conclusions on what should happen in Zimbabwe but should not be blamed on the mediation," says Namibia Foreign Affairs Minister Marco Hausiku.

Soaring food prices dominated the discussions and there's concern that if left unattended, they will have a negative impact on the SADC Millenium Goals.

It was decided that a committee to monitor the process of poverty eradication, will be established with immediate effect.

The SADC countries will have to ensure that the agreements reached are implemented and monitoring mechanisms will be key.