Both formations of Zimbabe's Movement for Democratic Change said the failure by the Southern African Development Community to take up the worsening crisis in Zimbabwe in Botswana at a weekend summit disappointed and greatly concerns them.
Two members of SADC's so-called troika on defense, politics and security failed to show in Gaborone for a session that was to set up wider summit discussion. now South African President Jacob Zuma, SADC's mediator in Zimbabwe, is expected back in Harare next week to resume efforts to shore up the fragile government of national unity.
Commenting after the extraordinary SADC summit, Foreign Minister Phandu Skelemani of Botswana said outstanding issues in the power-sharing government were supposed to have been resolved over a year ago, reflecting impatience in the regional bloc.
But SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao said SADC cannot set a timeframe for a solution to the deep political problems in Harare. He added that it is proper to thrash out a lasting solution and up to the Zimbabweans whether elections are to be held in 2011.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has declared that the power sharing government has run its course so elections must be held by the middle of next year. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has also spoken in favor of elections, but with the caveate that reforms must be in place so they are free, fair and nonviolent.
Spokesman Nelson Chamisa of Mr. Tsvangirai's MDC formation told VOA reporter Jonga Kandemiiri that his party is now pinning its hopes for a resolution on Mr. Zuma’s visit.
Speaking for the MDC formation led by Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, Edwin Mushoriwa said it is now for Zimbabweans to decide their destiny.
ZANU-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo could not be reached for comment.