SADC to fast track mediation process in Zimbabwe

SADC urged to fast track mediation process in Zimbabwe

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon is calling on the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to fast track its mediation in the Zimbabwean political crisis and reach a peaceful solution.

Ki Moon has been reacting from the UN Headquarters in New York on the eventual release of Zimbabwe's presidential election results after five weeks of delay. The UN Chief expresses deep concern about what he calls the rising political violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe as that country gears itself for a possible presidential electoral run-off.

After five long weeks, they have been announced. With the opposition party now questioning the integrity of those outcomes and hesitant to participate in a presidential run-off, the UN Chief now calls on the SADC leaders to expedite their mediation. Ki Moon has expressed concern at the reported political violence and increasing humanitarian situation in that country and the inability of UN food agencies to deliver aid to poor people.

The UN Chief has also confirmed that he is currently engaged in consultations with African leaders from the SADC region and the African Union (AU) as a whole to determine a possible and practical UN involvement in the anticipated presidential run-off in Zimbabwe.