In April 2011, the SADC Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation met in Livingstone, Zambia and issued what many perceive to be its strongest rebuke to Zimbabwe’s main political principals. The Summit ‘noted with grave concern the polarization of the political environment…resurgence of violence, arrests and intimidation’ and resolved that: “there must be an end to the violence and harassment; stakeholders should implement the provisions of the GPA and complete the necessary steps for holding elections including the finalisation of the constitutional amendment and the referendum; develop a roadmap for elections and last but not least, the appointment of a three-member panel to join the facilitation team and work with the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee to ensure the implementation of the GPA.”

Following the deferral of Zimbabwe from the agenda at an extraordinary regional meeting in Windhoek, Namibia in May 2011, SADC members are expected to tackle Zimbabwe on the margins of an interregional tripartite free trade area Summit (SADC/COMESA/EAC) this coming weekend, 11 June 2011. While it appears that SADC is likely to take a tougher stance on Zimbabwe, the question on many minds is not only whether members state will be able to reach consensus on the Summit Communiqué issued in Livingstone, but also whether SADC will be willing and able to ensure compliance with its decisions. What for example, are the enforcement mechanisms it would be willing to use?

This seminar will: