In April 2008, over 100 representatives from all over Africa convened for a pan-African emergency consultation to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe. Members of African civil society groups, the legal fraternity, trade unions, academia, and other interested stakeholders engaged in reflective discussions on the impact of the 2008 Zimbabwe elections and the ensuing violations of rights.
The meeting sought to catalyze stronger initiatives and interjections by the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and governments in the region. Organized by the East Africa Law Society (EALS), in conjunction with the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and OSIEA, the Dar es Salaam meeting concluded with a strong Communiqué and resolutions that were presented to Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete in his capacity as AU Chair. Following from that meeting, the bar associations from West, Southern and East Africa met to discuss regional strategic litigation efforts on Zimbabwe.