Zimbabwe was once one of the most promising countries in Africa, with a thriving agriculture industry, high literacy rates and a robust healthcare system. Today, Zimbabwe is a land of devastation. Twenty-eight years of increasingly dictatorial rule by President Robert Mugabe have led to hyperinflation, food shortages and a breakdown of basic public services.

Thankfully, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was recently sworn in as the new Prime Minister, forming a "unity government" that will attempt to move the country forward. It won't be easy. A devastating cholera outbreak has killed more than 3,000 people, hunger is widespread and political issues remain unresolved despite months of negotiations. That's why the African Union must do everything it can in its official role as guarantor of the new unity government.

Ask the African Union to do its job as guarantor of the unity government, and work to end the political repression that has crippled Zimbabwe.

Dear African Union Chairman Muammar Gaddafi,

Please ensure that the African Union executes its role as guarantor of the new Zimbabwe unity government.

[Your comment here]

Sincerely,
[Your name here]