Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai has appealed to Labour and Social Welfare minister Nicholas Goche to allow non-governmental organizations to distribute food to hungry Zimbabweans.
Tsvangirai said although major political parties in the SADC mediated dialogue agreed to allow distribution of food, NGOs were still unable to carry out their projects.
In a letter copied SADC mediator Thabo Mbeki Tsvangirai said: “Sadly, the NGOs are still unable to distribute food in the country as
they believe that in the absence of a letter countermanding your
instruction, the ban on the activities still stands.
We certainly appreciate their position in view of the fact that these
NGOs are not part of the MoU and the subsequent joint statement that
were signed.”
He said the situation in the country was now critical.
“We are receiving reports of rampant starvation throughout the country. If the situation
continues unaddressed, death will occur. In these circumstances, I appeal to you to immediately address a letter to all NGOs unequivocally countermanding your instruction, to allow urgently needed humanitarian work to be carried out in the country,” said Tsvangirai adding that such a letter was within the spirit of the MoU, our joint statement and in the interest of every Zimbabwean.
The three parties in the SADC dialogue signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which among other things addressed the humanitarian crisis under section 10.1 (d) on 21st of July 2008, to the effect that: "The parties agree that, in the interim, they will work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home and that humanitarian and social welfare organizations are enabled to render such assistance as might be required."
Further to the MoU, the humanitarian crisis was jointly addressed in a statement released on 6 August 2008, as follows;
"The Parties express their readiness to work individually and together in the ongoing Dialogue to make public undertakings in ensuring the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home and to enable humanitarian and social welfare organizations to render such
assistance as might be required",’ said Tsvangirai.
The effect of the MoU and the joint statement signed by all parties was obviously understood to mean your letter banning NGOs from providing food aid associated relief was immediately revoked.