Latest on African States' conference in Malawi

(14 Jan 2002)

1. President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe leaving summit venue surrounded by media and security
2. UPSOUND: (English) Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe:
Q: How did the meeting go?
A: "Yes, yes all the issues we well discussed."
Q: What was the outcome of the meeting?
A: "Come to Zimbabwe and we'll change it."
3. Mugabe leaving the summit venue
4. Mugabe waiting for his car and clapping his hands
5. South African President Thabo Mbeki walking up stairs of the Meridien Hotel where summit is being held
6. Shot of corridor and officials leaving packed room
7. Wide shot of news conference with the President of Malawi, Bakili Muluzi
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bakili Muluzi, President of Malawi:
"Well we raised that question, I actually raised it myself, and Mr. Mugabe promised us that he will allow international journalists to cover the elections in Zimbabwe so we can take him at his word."
9. Cutaway to shot of journalists
10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bakili Muluzi, President of Malawi:
"We want to believe that what Mr. Mugabe has actually indicated to us will be adhered to because it is for the good of Zimbabwe."
11. Cutaway to Malawian officials
12. Muluzi walking away from stage

STORYLINE:

Zimbabwe's crumbling democracy dominated discussions Monday at a meeting of Southern African leaders in Malawi, where the chair of the conference called on President Robert Mugabe to hold free and fair elections.

Instability in Zimbabwe could convulse all of southern Africa, and the meeting of the 14-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) was seen as one of the last opportunities for regional leaders to reign in Mugabe ahead of presidential elections scheduled for March 9 and 10.

"We are very hopeful that the elections will be peaceful, free, fair and transparent," said Malawi's President Bakili Muluzi, who was hosting the summit. "As a matter of fact, what is important in an election is not just the election day but the entire election process, from the preparations to the vote counting and the announcement of results."

Muluzi said Mugabe had given him an undertaking to allow foreign journalists in during the elections, adding he would have to be taken at his word.

But the deportation by Malawian authorities of four Zimbabwean leading human rights activists, who had planned to lobby for a tougher stance against Mugabe, did not bode well for those who hoped SADC leaders would break ranks with one of their own.

In the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he was disappointed with the SADC, calling it a body "full of double standards and hypocrisy."

As part of his fight for political survival after 21 years in power, Mugabe has cracked down on the opposition through legislation and government-sanctioned violence.

The deteriorating human rights situation has sparked international condemnation and concern.

Polls indicate that Mugabe is in danger of losing power, but the possibility of free elections appears remote.

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