88 From National Liberation to Democratic Renaissance in Southern Africa the issues of marginalisation, state accountability, and quest for an apology, as well as compensation for the victims of the state sanctioned violence of the 1980s. These demands proved that the Unity Accord had a poor postconflict peace-building framework that encompassed the aspirations and demands of the grassroots (see Gatsheni-Ndlovu 2003:2). The post-Unity Accord scenario in Zimbabwe did not embrace prerequisites for reconciliation and durable peace. Lasting peace can be established through a number of mechanisms which include some of the factors raised below. 1. The establishment of all-embracing political system through power-sharing arrangements between erstwhile protagonists. This was partly achieved in Zimbabwe because (PF) ZAPU assumed posts in government and Joshua Nkomo became one of the country’s two Vice-Presidents, a post that he held until his death in July 1999. Democratic rebuilding involving eradication of fear among citizens, and enhancing accountability, transparency, legitimacy, human security, and social peace is also necessary. 2. Psychological rebuilding is imperative to communities that have survived the ravages of violence. The CCJP report noted that part of the process of psychological healing for any victim of abuse is being given the opportunity to recount that suffering to a supportive, non-judgmental audience. While the signing of the National Unity Accord was positive for reconciliation, there are many other experiences that the national leadership need to hear and take account of if they wish to prevent similar clashes. The process of opening up involves not just the victims but also the perpetrators of violence. They need an atmosphere of truth telling in order to purge themselves of their memories of events. National exorcism is imperative. In African cultures those who do injustice to others need to compensate their victims in order to avoid the wrath of avenging spirits. It is in this spirit that Truth Commissions have been set up in many parts of the world, notably South Africa and Rwanda. 3. The establishment of effective and impartial systems of justice is crucial to reconciliation. The state should also regard court verdicts in order to establish citizen confidence in the judicial system. In the context of the 1982-1987 crisis the government showed a pathetic disregard of the verdicts of the courts. In 1982, Zipra commanders Lookout Masuku, Dumiso Dabengwa and others were arraigned before the courts for treason and the evidence against them failed to convince a high court judge, but they remained in jail until 1986 (Alexander et al 2000:188). 4. Reconciliation also entails reconstruction and economic development. According to international treaties, victims have a right to material compensation. 4.Mashingaidze.pmd 88 31/10/2005, 12:54