African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma on Wednesday refused to condemn Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe over the ongoing failure to publish presidential election results and widespread post-election violence.
Ahead of talks in London with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Zuma also rejected claims that South African President Thabo Mbeki had failed to press Mugabe on these issues.
Zuma said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission — and not Mugabe — was to blame for the delay in publication of last month’s results.
”I am not certain whether I should stand there and really condemn people and make myself a judge,” Zuma told BBC radio, referring to Mugabe.
Brown is a fierce critic of Mugabe and has urged African leaders to withdraw recognition of his regime until the March 29 presidential vote’s results are released.
South Africa’s leadership has been criticised over its perceived soft stance toward Mugabe.
”Mbeki is a mediator,” Zuma said. ”You cannot have a mediator who takes sides, who stands and criticises people he is trying to mediate.”
Legislative election results that gave the opposition a majority in Zimbabwe’s Parliament for the first time also are in limbo, with a partial recount under way.
Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change claims post-election violence has displaced 3 000 people, injured 500 and left 10 dead. There is no way to verify the claims because of reporting restrictions in Zimbabwe.
But Zuma, on a tour of Europe with an ANC delegation, insisted that South Africa is taking action.
”We are doing something more than anyone else,” he said. ”What else must we do? We must send the army? We do more than other countries do.” — Sapa-AP