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MWC Resolve To Go To Zimbabwe Still Firm

The March presidential election in Zimbabwe has left the country deeply divided over the process and the outcome. Despite post-election anxiety within the country, Brethren in Christ people there have reaffirmed their invitation to hold the Mennonite World Conference global assembly (August 2003) in Zimbabwe. Ten days after the election, Bishop Danisa Ndlovu said, "There is no reason to change our minds about hosting the MWC in Bulawayo."

MWC officials are firm in their resolve to stand in solidarity with Zimbabwean brothers and sisters in these difficult times and to proceed with plans for the global gathering in August 2003.

"The situation has deteriorated in the country since we made the decision two years ago to hold Assembly Gathered there," said Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary. "But all word that we are now receiving from Zimbabwe, including from foreign embassy folk, is 'sit tight, wait and see' what develops in the next couple of months. We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully."

A few days after the election, Jim Wall, Canadian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, said, "Zimbabwe is going through a tense period.... I assume that matters will have sorted themselves out well before your conference, but not necessarily in the next few weeks or even months." MWC leaders are considering contingency plans should a change be deemed advisable.

In the days immediately following the election other voices from within the country described "an unusual calm" and the mood as one of "stunned silence." People were cautious about making quick judgments, but they believe that the government will want to preserve peace and calm. Many expressed their gratitude to God for the restraint shown by both government and opposition parties in these early days and that there has been no blood bath. Some said they do not anticipate widespread violence but possibly some resistance such as strikes. However, church members along with MWC leaders acknowledge that the political situation is volatile.

Amidst the unsettling political situation, Zimbabweans also face economic concerns. The worst drought in years and fields left unplanted due to land issues mean that maize, the main crop, will be well below normal this year, resulting in food shortages. There is no way of predicting what the situation will be next year. Inflation and the exchange rate remain in flux. These factors will also have an impact on planning for Africa 2003.

The annual meeting of the MWC Executive Committee, which will be held in Bulawayo in August this year, will include African and other international Mennonite leaders. Together they will be able to assess the situation. Doris Dube, MWC Communications Team member from Zimbabwe, in March recalled last year's words by Ken Nafziger, who co-leads the Music Committee for Africa 2003: "When the Zimbabwean people are no longer able to sing for themselves they will need someone to come and sing for them."

After the election, MWC president Mesach Krisetya said that by going to Bulawayo we are not supporting the repression of the country's government but we are showing solidarity with the people. Krisetya has called on the global Mennonite and BIC family to exercise their commitment to peace, citing a post-election statement by the World Council of Churches that concluded with these words: "We call upon churches and all peace-loving persons around the world to pray for the people of Zimbabwe and not forsake them, but support them in these difficult times."