Political observers have advised opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to abandon hopes for intervention by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Zimbabwe’s August 2023 election dispute, suggesting he seek other avenues for his grievances.
Chamisa acknowledged in a statement on Monday that SADC has overlooked his requests to address Zimbabwe’s political situation. The former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader had dismissed the August elections as rigged in favor of Zanu PF. “Therefore, we have been patiently awaiting our request,” he stated, reflecting on his efforts to engage SADC since last April.
However, political analysts argue that Zimbabwe is no longer a priority for SADC, urging Chamisa to recognize that the regional body is unlikely to address his concerns. “To think that SADC will convene a meeting on Zimbabwe is far-fetched and delusional,” political analyst Aaron Hamauswa commented. He noted that the opposition in Zimbabwe missed its opportunity right after the elections were critiqued by all observer missions.
“It is now water under the bridge, and the regional body has more pressing issues in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chamisa should just move on because no Messiah is coming,” Hamauswa added.
Lazarus Sauti, another analyst, noted that although Zimbabweans are still focused on election outcomes, Chamisa’s position is compromised by his departure from the CCC, leaving him without a party to represent. “Zimbabweans are still in election mode even though they cast ballots in August 2023. People have been wondering where opposition politics in the country is headed after Nelson Chamisa quit the CCC,” Sauti explained.
Despite these challenges, Sauti mentioned that SADC remains significant to Zimbabwean affairs. With Zimbabwe set to host the SADC summit this August, Chamisa’s chances of influencing the regional bloc are seen as unlikely. “As usual, nations like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, and Tanzania will support Zanu PF,” he said.
Source: Newsday
