African Diplomacy and its Utility in Handling Electoral ElicitedPolitical Crises: An Analysis of sadc and South African Diplomacyin the 2023 Electoral Dispute in Zimbabwe

Abstract

African diplomacy plays a crucial role in managing political disputes and electoral crises across the continent. An example of such a crisis is the disputed election in Zimbabwe, which occurred in 2023. Following the election into office of President Emerson Mnangagwa in 2018, the election held in August 2023 was highly anticipated as a potential turning point towards a more democratic future for Zimbabwe. However, the results of the election were contested, with the opposition party, Citizen’s Coalition for Change, alleging electoral irregularities and calling the outcome into question. This sparked widespread unrest and increased tension within the country. African nations and regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were pivotal in addressing this dispute and attempting to find a resolution. The AU and the SADC intervened through diplomatic negotiations, urging political leaders to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. This paper will analyze the role of African diplomacy in the context of the disputed election in Zimbabwe by examining the actions and strategies employed by the AU and the SADC, as well as their effectiveness in mediating the conflict.