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Daniel Nemukuyu in Victoria Falls
Former Mozambique President Cde Joacquim Chissano, has urged Sadc Lawyers’ Association to support their governments in promoting rule of law, democracy and good governance through drafting relevant model laws.
Addressing lawyers at the opening of a two-day Sadc Lawyers’ Association conference in Victoria Falls yesterday, Cde Chissano said the region was pregnant with ideas of rule of law, democracy and good governance.

He, however, said it lacked the implementation mechanisms.

Cde Chissano cited several declarations adopted by African states in their quest to ensure rule of law, democracy and good governance, saying the implementation was still the biggest challenge.

“Africa is not short of ideas but there is a serious problem in implementing some of the decisions either because of a lack of funding or simply political will.

“It is precisely in this context that structures like the Sadc Lawyers’ Association should support efforts aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.

“At the level of the continent, I am encouraged by the fact that the last AU Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, adopted amendment to the protocol establishing the Pan African Parliament gradually moving the PAP from advisory to legislative functions.

“This strategic shift may allow for the drafting of model laws and strengthening capacity of PAP to effectively address normative issues,” said Cde Chissano.

Cde Chissano said mere adoption of declarations was incomplete.

“It does not make sense to adopt declarations that we do not have the necessary will to implement.

“This is why I would propose the establishment of a follow-up, monitoring and implementation mechanism to ensure the enhancement of transparent and accountable leadership,” he said.

Speaking at the same function, Law Society of Zimbabwe president Lloyd Mhishi, said the lawyers in the country were keen on assisting the nation to promote rule of law.

Mhishi urged the Minister to assist in pushing for the removal of the death penalty from the statutes.

Mhishi also pleaded with the minister to advocate for the respect of the legal profession by ensuring lawyers were not arrested for doing their job.

He urged government to ensure equality of all people before the law and adherence to court orders.