MDC yet to meet their GPA obligations

Cde Gumbo said security sector and media reforms the formations were clamouring for were already addressed in the new constitution.

Article IV (Sanctions and Measures), Section 4.6 states that: “Desirous and committed to bringing to an end the fall in the standards of living of our people, the Parties hereby agree:-
(a) to endorse the SADC resolution on sanctions concerning Zimbabwe;
(b) that all forms of measures and sanctions against Zimbabwe be lifted in order to facilitate a sustainable solution to the challenges that are currently facing Zimbabwe; and
(c) commit themselves to working together in re-engaging the international community with a view to bringing to an end the country’s international isolation.”
Cde Gumbo said MDC formations who played a major role in the imposition of sanctions had reneged on implementing the GPA.

“If there is anyone who has not yet fulfilled the GPA, it is the MDC formations because they were supposed to facilitate scrapping of the illegal economic sanctions that were imposed by their funders but they have not,” he said.

“They were also supposed to influence the stopping of broadcasting of hate language by pirate radio stations into the country as outlined by the GPA, but they continue to support them. Now there are reports that they have introduced a pirate television station (Ist TV) which again is in contempt of the GPA that they pretend to respect.”

The new Constitution enjoins the defence forces to respect fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons and to be non partisan. It also provides that the defence forces be national in character, patriotic, professional and subordinate to civilian authority.