In May, I chose Zimbabwe as the subject of my post on Bloggers Unite for Human Rights.
Since that time, the situation in Zimbabwe has deteriorated even further, while those who might have some influence remain silent. The governments of Tanzania, Swaziland and Angola have spoken out but the more powerful and influential neighbour, South Africa, still says nothing.
Today I received a letter from one of the aid agencies that I support, informing me that they have been forced by the Zimbabwean government to suspend all their field operations. (Click on the letter to enlarge)
This ruling affects all groups giving humanitarian aid as well as those working on long-term projects to help the people of Zimbabwe to support themselves.The latest news suggests that Morgan Tsvangirai may withdraw from the run-off election; while this may alleviate the immediate suffering of his supporters, it can only prolong the agony of the people of Zimbabwe. For more information visit the frequently updated Zimbabwe Situation or the Zimbabwe page of the Guardian's on-line news service.
You'd think, wouldn't you, that the combined efforts of the UN plus surrounding countries would have got rid of this monster by now? It's appalling and I feel such sorrow for the people of Zimbabwe because they've done nothing to deserve this.
ReplyDeleteI feel certain,Cath, that if South Africa had taken a strong lead, Mugabe could have been ousted long ago. Threats of UN sanctions won't have any impact on a man who has deliberately taken his country from prosperity to abject poverty and who cares nothing for his people's suffering.
ReplyDeleteIt's only now - years down the line - that the leaders of Uganda, Rwanda and South Africa are speaking out against Mugabe. Too little and far too late. But our own leaders are just as culpable; they have also stood back for years and allowed Mugabe to bring his own people to their knees.
ReplyDeleteThe USA and the UK had no hesitation in ignoring the relevant UN resolution and invading Iraq, allegedly in the interests of toppling a tyrant, promoting 'democracy' and zapping those yet to be found weapons of mass destruction (yes, well, we all know the real reason) but when it came to democracy (or lack of it) in Zimbabwe, it was deemed unlawful to intervene - another nation's sovereignty and all that.
A good many heads should be hanging in shame.
I agree wholeheartedly, D.
ReplyDeletem. It seems that talks haven't solved the problem, so are you suggesting that we send in the marines to oust Mugabe and the U.N. thugs, restore order, feed the people, install a democratically elected government, rebuild the infrastructure, build schools and hospitals, train local police and stay there until the new government is strong enough to take over?
ReplyDeleteIn other words, do you want us to do all the things in Zimbabwe that the anti-war people want us to stop doing in Iraq and Afghanistan?
No, e, what I want is for those who could influence events to speak out. In particular that means Thabo Mbeki who has so far distanced himself from those African leaders who are beginning to express their disapproval of Mugabe's regime. Tomorrow Mugabe will be declared the winner of the farcical election; on Monday he will swagger in to the meeting of the heads of state in Egypt. I would like to see all those leaders, especially Mbeki, refuse to acknowledge Mugabe. Isolation within Africa would have a far greater effect than UN sanctions.
ReplyDeleteDo you truly believe Mugabe could be shamed into doing the right thing? IMO he's taken megalomania to a new level and at this point, it would probably take an elephant gun to stop him.
ReplyDelete