Terence Simbi, author of the book, Zimbabwe: Installing a true democratic state, says Nelson Chamisa and Churches have now became a stumbling block in the way of genuine dialogue in Zimbabwe.
Simbi says Chamisa has been given over 5 chances for dialogue by Mnangagwa in the past but set pre-conditions which closed the windows of opportunity for dialogue.
Stalemate
Simbi says Zimbabwe is in a stalemate because each side believes that their way of solving the problem is the best. Each side has already gone out to the public with their position and they can not back out without a delicate diplomatic approach from an experienced facilitator.
Churches
Simbi said the churches and Chamisa are publishing secret details of negotiations in the media.
He said there are two opposing groups in the church – the urban churches and the rural churches. These churches need to meet an agree on a common position before approaching Mnangagwa as a block.
Simbi said one group of churches is aligned to the opposition while the other is aligned to Mnangagwa.
Compromise Environment
Simbi said Zimbabweans need to create the conditions for a compromise environment. Mnangagwa has already offered Chamisa the leader of the Opposition position and Chamisa should consider that offer.
Simbi said the Chamisa on his part will have to accept that Mnangagwa won the elections.
Simbi said churches need to find a political person to help them to engage with the two parties.
Difficult questions
Simbi says both Chamisa and Mnangagwa are facing legitimacy questions. He said although Chamisa is currently facing problems in the MDC, Mnangagwa will also soon face the same issue of legitimacy internally within ZANU-PF.
Mediators
Simbi said relying on foreign mediators is a problem because once the mediators are done, they leave and implementation is left for the local people.
Simbi said the opposition in Zimbabwe needs to back down and compromise on the issue of a foreign mediator and instead open the process to more players in a broad based process.
Precedents
Simbi said in South Africa, dialogue was carried out locally while in Namibia dialogue was facilitated by the United Nations. In 1980, there were negitiations that ushered in Zimbabwe’s independence at the Lancaster House Conference
Conclusion
Zimbabweans need to learn to solve issues internally and create an environment for compromise.
