The Role of Southern African Development Community in Creating Security in Southern Africa: a Case Study of Zimbabwe Since Independence to 2002
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Date
2004-11Author
Sipho, Richard Buthelezi
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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Tension started in Zimbabwe when the government proved to the
people that it was not going to acquire and distribute adequate land for
settlement of the poor people. Misuse of government finances combined with
the structural adjustment programme of the IMF contributed to the poor state
of the economy in the country. The inflation, unemployment, poor salaries for
civil servants and high salary increments to senior ZANU-PF officials caused a
militant strike by the civil servants. President Mugabe called for a review of the
constitution, which resulted a new and controversial one. A referendum was
called for to approve or disapprove the new constitution. The MDC was
formed to oppose the new constitution referendum. It was successful and
President Mugabe felt threatened. Violence was used against the MDC
supporters elections that followed the referendum. Death and other forms of
intimidation did not work because the MDC supporters still voted and their
party remained a credible challenger to the ZANU-PF. Vote rigging and other
voting irregularities were used by the ZANU-PF to ensure that it won the
elections at all costs, which it did in its terms. SADC did nothing sufficient to
solve the situation in Zimbabwe, while it is the only closest organisation
empowered and able to resolve conflicts in Southern Africa .
Citation
Masters thesis University of Nairobi (2004)Publisher
University of Nairobi Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies
Description
Degree of Master of Arts