ISS Seminar, BY INVITATION ONLY, Pretoria: The Role of the Military in Politics in Zimbabwe and the Potential for External Engagement

Date: 2010-10-05

Venue: ISS Seminar Room, Block C, Brooklyn Court, Veale Street, New Muckleneuck, Tshwane (Pretoria)

Two years after the signing of the historic Global Political Agreement between ZANU-PF, the MDC-T and MDC-M on 15 September 2008, it is once again time to take stock of how far the country has come after the principals committed to sharing power. Observations from analysts as well as media reports appear to point to a lack of progress on the political arena, particularly with regard to the appointment of certain government officials.

However, little has been reported on the role of the military in the current political dispensation, largely due to the lack of transparency and apparent difficulties in dealing with this particular group of actors. To discuss the challenges faced in this regard, the Institute for Security Studies has invited Martin Rupiya, formerly Principal Director of the International Relations in the Office of the Prime Minister, to discuss the role of the military in politics in Zimbabwe. Joining him will be former Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Sten Rylander, who will share with us his views on where Zimbabwe may be heading and provide some insights as to the potential for external engagement under the current circumstances.

The ISS hosts this closed event that aims to bring together members of the diplomatic community as well as a number of the Institute’s other stakeholders to enable a frank discussion on these issues.

Speakers:

• Dr. Martin Rupiya, Executive Director, African Public Policy and Research Institute
• Ambassador Sten Rylander, former Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe

Facilitator:

• Dr. Jakkie Cilliers, Executive Director, Institute for Security Studies

The seminar is organised by the African Conflict Prevention Programme (ACPP-Pretoria)