Standing firm to save democracy

Southern Africa has had more than its fair share of political problems post-colonialism. But with the exception of Mozambique and Angola – who were deliberately destabilised by the apartheid state – and Lesotho, the region has avoided military violence and assassinations of heads of state.

The news of a bomb blast at a stadium in Bulawayo at the weekend, shortly after a speech by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, came as a surprise.

What is also concerning is that the explosion, which is said to have narrowly missed Mnangagwa, happened a few hours after a similar attack on a rally addressed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.

There seems to be no direct link between the two attacks. But they appear to have been orchestrated by people who want to derail the important reform processes unfolding in the two countries.

In the Zimbabwean situation, the country is busy with the final preparations for the July 30 general elections – the first to be held post former president Robert Mugabe’s rule.

Peace and stability are crucial if these are going to be the first credible multi-party elections ever held since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. But clearly there are forces that are determined to prevent this democratic process and to force South Africa’s northern neighbour back to the dark era of political repression. They should not be allowed to succeed.

Zimbabwe’s recovery from the economic ruins of the Mugabe years is dependent upon the country having a democratically elected and legitimate government that acts in line with the mandate given to it by the electorate.

A small group of saboteurs cannot be allowed to frustrate this process and South Africa should do all in its power to help Zimbabwe hold peaceful elections.

As the experience of the past two decades has taught us, South Africa cannot be stable if Zimbabwe is in turmoil.

We should also stand with the people of Ethiopia as they mourn the lives that were lost as a result of Saturday’s grenade attack.

It took blood and sweat to bring about democracy in our continent, we can’t allow it to be taken away by a few political bandits.