Advocate Thabani Mpofu, a prominent ally of Nelson Chamisa, has lodged a formal complaint with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) against Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, the Zimbabwe National Army Commander. The complaint, submitted on August 1, comes in the lead-up to the SADC summit scheduled for August 17 in Harare, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to be a key topic of discussion.
In his letter to SADC, Mpofu accuses Sanyatwe of making unconstitutional remarks that threaten the integrity of Zimbabwe’s electoral process. The complaint highlights Sanyatwe’s alleged statements at a Zanu-PF rally, where he purportedly promised “command voting” in future elections and declared that Zanu-PF would maintain its rule indefinitely. Mpofu describes these remarks as provocative and insulting, arguing that they undermine the democratic process and pose a threat to national peace.
Mpofu’s complaint underscores a broader concern about the erosion of democratic space in Zimbabwe. He criticizes Sanyatwe’s comments as not only a violation of SADC’s principles but also as detrimental to the credibility of Zimbabwe’s electoral system. The letter calls for SADC leaders to issue a formal condemnation of the military’s statements and to reinforce the importance of upholding democratic values and the will of the Zimbabwean people.
In addition to targeting Sanyatwe, Mpofu also criticizes the Electoral Commission for its handling of the situation, accusing it of showing impunity and a lack of concern. He urges SADC to take a firm stance in support of democratic norms, referencing the SADC Treaty and the findings of the SADC Election Observer Mission regarding the 2023 elections.
The timing of Mpofu’s complaint is significant, coming just weeks before the SADC summit in Harare, which will provide a platform for regional leaders to discuss pressing issues, including the situation in Zimbabwe.
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