Spearheaded by the AACC, a high-level, widely representative Ecumenical/Inter-religious delegation met with SADC appointed facilitator, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa in Pretoria recently to express their concern at the potentially explosive situation in Zimbabwe. Fearing that the delay in releasing election results in Zimbabwe has the potential to conflagrate into violence, representing over 450 Million people the religious leaders from Cameroon, Benin, Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa, the delegation called for a just and peaceful resolution to the crisis. Exercising the Responsibility of Religious Leaders ?The whole world is hoping for a political solution. We had very high hopes that SADC would resolve the critical situation which has in fact escalated. As religious leaders, it is our responsibility to intervene,? said the Rt Rev Dr Nyansako-ni-Nku, President of the AACC Giving credit where it is due The delegation commended the South African government for refusing to allow the Chinese vessel, the An Yue Jiang, to offload arms in its harbours. They also noted with appreciation the South African?s President?s facilitation role and the significant amendments to the constitution instigated by him that were instrumental in the harmonious elections.
Concern for the people of Zimbabwe
Nevertheless the religious leaders, during the three-hour meeting, had the following concerns: · The primary need to give priority to the plight of the people over personal ambitions for leadership · Reports of arbitrary arrests, beatings and even torture · The need for the protection of human rights · The need for healing , reconciliation and mutual forgiveness
Blessed are the peacemakers
In response to these concerns, the South African President requested the delegation to consider paying a pastoral visit to President Mugabe, as well as to the leader of the opposition Mr Morgan Tsvangerai. President Mbeki believes that the Religious Leaders would be in a better and more appropriate position to persuade Mr Tsvangerai ? who at the time was refusing to do so - to participate in the run-off for the presidential vote count. In acquiescing to the request, arrangements for such a visit were immediately undertaken by the delegation.
Included in the delegation were: Rt Rev Dr Nyansako-ni-Nku - President of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC)
Rev Dr Mvume Dandala ? General Secretary of the AACC Rev Dr Simon Dossou ? African President for World Council of Churches
Rev Gertrude Kapuma ? Vice President of the AACC Mrs Mbari Kioni ? Director of Advocacy of the AACC
Dr AU Mustapha ? General Secretary ? Africa Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL)
Most Rev Dr John Onaiyekan ? Co- Chairperson (ACRL) ? Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Sheikh Saleh Habimana ? Grand Mufti of Twanda, Inter-Faith Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA) Mr Ashwin Trikamjee ? Commissioner (IFAPA) Rev Father Vincent Brennan ? General Secretary South African Bishops Conference Mr Eddie Makue ? General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) Prof Tinyiko Maluleke ? President SACC Ms Val Pauquet - Journalist.