CHOGM Statement on Zimbabwe

4 March 2002

Commonwealth Heads of Government received and discussed the Report of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) concerning the current situation in Zimbabwe. They expressed their deep concern about incidents of violence and intimidation surrounding the election campaign, called on all parties to refrain from such violence and urged all concerned to work together to create an atmosphere in which there could be a free and fair election.

Heads of Government expressed their full support for regional efforts aimed at encouraging a peaceful outcome to the situation in Zimbabwe, in particular the Abuja Agreement and President Olusegun Obasanjo's ongoing mediation efforts, as well as the initiative of the Southern Africa Development Community towards a peaceful outcome to the situation in Zimbabwe.

Heads of Government recognised that as stated in the Abuja Agreement land is at the core of the crisis in Zimbabwe and cannot be separated from other issues of concern to the Commonwealth. They took note of the interim report of the United Nations Development Programme and called on the Government of Zimbabwe and the UNDP to reach early agreement on transparent, equitable and sustainable measures for land reform.

The Commonwealth will be ready to assist Zimbabwe to address the land issue and to help in its economic recovery in co-operation with other international agencies

Heads of Government noted that a Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) would report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General immediately after the Zimbabwe Presidential Election of 9-10 March 2002. They agreed to mandate the CHOGM Chairman-in-Office as well as the former and next Chairmen-in-Office in close consultation with the Secretary-General and taking into account the Commonwealth Observer Group Report, to determine appropriate Commonwealth action on Zimbabwe in the event the Report is adverse, in accordance with the Harare Commonwealth Declaration and the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme, which ranges from collective disapproval to suspension.