2. SADC and the AU should combine a strategy of assisting and supporting such a transitional process, with a clear message to the Mugabe regime that it can expect no further diplomatic support in the event of its continued recalcitrance in the political process. A diplomatic consensus with Western countries needs to be developed around this point, so that future diplomatic action has broader agreement. 3. Peace-building measures in civil society, building on ongoing initiatives in the country, should be strengthened and supported by the presence of regional church and civic actors. Such an initiative could help to contain and roll back the zones of violence in the country. Finally there needs to be a general recognition that Zimbabwe is fast sinking into the conditions of a civil war, propelled largely by the increasing reliance on violence by the ruling party to stay in power, and the rapidly shrinking spaces for any form of peaceful political intervention. It was precisely such conditions that gave rise to the decision by the nationalist parties in the 1960’s to embark on a violent strategy for change. All avenues must be pursued to avoid such an eventuality. Photo 3: funeral of murdered MDC activist Beta Chakurarama, 17 May 2008 20