The crisis of democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe is a stark, ongoing reminder of the inadequacies of political leadership and civil society in Africa and around the world. While ordinary Zimbabweans fight a life and death struggle for their basic human rights and for their rights to democratic voice, the rest of us - politicians, civil society organisations and the media - seem to be able to do little more than wring our hands in despair and issue appeals for sanity and balance. Despite the clamour of voices seeking decisive action from African governments, especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, an ‘election’ that most people agree was an utter sham of democracy has been conducted and a victor declared with utter impunity.  

It would be all too easy at this juncture, to relent, to resign ourselves to failure. To console ourselves with the thought that we did what we could, and it, sadly, was not enough. But if we care in the slightest for the people of Zimbabwe , for democracy itself, and for the rights of people everywhere to determine their own lives, we cannot stand down or move on.  

Regardless of the allusions to possible transitional political arrangements we hear whispered in the corridors of power, we must continue to support and amplify the voices of ordinary Zimbabwean citizens. Amnesty International, Global Call to Action against Poverty ( GCAP ) and CIVICUS will next week launch a campaign of grassroots action across Africa , “Pan-African Campaign of Solidarity for Zimbabwe ” on Saturday, 12 July 2008 . We call on citizens of African nations and African civil society organisations to send their leadership an undiluted message of solidarity with the Zimbabwean people and a demand that they go beyond the mouthing of statements to decisive action.  

You can join the campaign wherever you are. By mobilising grassroots support, by organising and participating in local actions and by spreading the word. The valiant defenders of human and democratic rights in Zimbabwe deserve no less than our strongest expression of solidarity. Democracy itself demands our continued vigilance. 

For more information on the Pan-African Day of Solidarity for Zimbabwe : Saturday, 12 July 2008, click here.

With gratitude, faith and solidarity,

Ingrid Srinath,

To send your comments, suggestions or contributions of articles to e-CIVICUS, e-mail editor@civicus.org.

For previous articles from the Secretary General, see details below: 

1. CIVICUS 2008 World Assembly, a unique opportunity to effect real change

2. CIVICUS new Secretary General appointed. 

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