Looks like Bob doesn't feel confident enough to leave the country to attend this SADC shindig in Lusaka, probably too frightened to even contemplate what might happen in his absence.

Kofi Annan has referred to the grave responsibilities that the SADC leaders have and has hinted that whatever they decide the outcome of their Conference on Zimbabwe will have far reaching consequences not only for Zimbabwe but for Africa as a whole. He's right, if they get this wrong, the attitude of the whole world could turn on Africa to its detriment.