Mary Robinson recently made a five-day visit to Zimbabwe with several eminent African women leaders. While there she witnessed an historic agreement by the women of all parties to work together.
In a letter to the International Herald Tribune Mabel van Oranje, CEO of The Elders, argues that while there are risks associated with providing enhanced aid to Zimbabwe, the risks related to the failure of its government are far higher. This letter first appeared in The International Herald Tribune and The Boston Globe.
Following the MDC's announcement that it will join a government of national unity, The Elders call on all Zimbabweans to unite to end the terrible suffering in their country, and urge international donors to support this development.
In a radio interview with the BBC, Jimmy Carter argues that Zimbabwe's neighbours have not been forceful enough in demanding action from President Robert Mugabe.
One month after being refused entry to Zimbabwe, The Elders release a detailed report expressing concern about the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation, ongoing human rights violations and the inability of the current government to relieve the suffering of their people.
The Elders present the results of their 3-day assessment of Zimbabwe's humanitarian situation and recommend the formation of a truly inclusive government, as well as international donor support, to tackle the crisis.
The Elders cancel their trip to Harare, where they had planned to listen to ordinary Zimbabweans and assess the extent of the country's humanitarian needs, after the government of Zimbabwe refused to cooperate in any way to make the visit possible.
Elders Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and Graça Machel will arrive in Southern Africa on Friday to make a first-hand assessment of the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.
