| The SADC Lawyers Association has learnt with cautious trepidation of the unfolding situation in the republic of Zimbabwe. SADC-LA joins the SADC community of nations in calling for continued calm and restraint that has so far largely characterized the events in that country. As the mother body of the legal profession in the SADC region, SADC-LA is called upon to remind all of the need to uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism in the bid to resolve the political dispute in Zimbabwe. The rule of law is the cornerstone of the separation of powers and the bedrock for democracy and development that ought not to be compromised. It is further noted that short of the constitutionally stipulated path to democracy, any efforts towards resolution risk a stillbirth on all counts. As close regional observation continues in relation to the ongoing situation, SADC-LA emphasizes the urgent need for the expeditious return to normalcy and preservation of fundamental rights and freedoms. To this end SADC-LA also calls upon all SADC member states to rally their support behind Zimbabwe in this time of uncertainty and as the nation strives to obtain a durable solution to the immediate political challenges. About SADC-LAThe Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association (SADC Lawyers Association/SADC-LA) is the representative body of law societies, bar dedicated associations and individual lawyers from the SADC region. SADC-LA is to the advancement and promotion of human rights, the rule of law, democracy and good governance in the SADC Region and beyond. Our mission is to promote and defend the rule of law without fear or favor. |