Abstract:
The current SADC mandated mediation on Zimbabwe, led by President Thabo Mbeki of
South Africa, opens a narrow window of opportunity to avoid further deterioration in
Zimbabwe's political and economic fortunes. Brought about by a combination of growing
regional embarrassment over Mugabe's authoritarian violence and international
pressure, the initiative is faced with enormous obstacles in the form of the persistent
recalcitrance of decisive elements of the Mugabe regime. Nonetheless the mediation may
present an opportunity to pry open new political spaces in the country. Recent events
have provided further evidence of the ruling ZANU-PF's reliance on violence as a form
of rule. The public beating of opposition and civic leaders, rank and file Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) members and high profile lawyers signalled an escalation of
repression against the political and civic opposition in the country. Faced with deepening
economic crisis, a bitter battle over succession within the ruling party, the persistent
presence of opposition forces and continued international pressure, ZANU-PF has
responded with a characteristic mixture of ruthlessness and contempt.
