PS The word here in Angola is that this whole story is a farce aka No Angolan troops going to Zimbabwe. What does that make of all your comments decrying "black on black violence" (whatever that means) and thugs. Some of us should pick up a history book...it's hard to take anyone's view seriously when they don't even know that Angola was a former Portuguese colony. There's decades of background to what's going on in southern Africa and it is there that will lay the answers to how Zimbabwe's awful situation may be alleviated. This is about politics, same as those that exist in Europe and America, not about some ingrained depravity of Africans as some of you elude.

K, Luanda, Angola

People who smugly complain about the United States' unwillingness to fight wars of altruism just don't get it. It would be wrong for any people to use force unless it's to protect a vital interest, a need. Oil is one of the most important needs there is. All of you who have the wealth to read this on a screen in front of you share in this need. Even if you're in Iceland, using a computer powered by electricity produced by geothermal energy, you still need a relatively stable oil market to survive because you're still dependent on diesel, plastics, petrochemicals, and imported goods from regions that don't have access or capital to take advantage of similar renewables. Imaging how many people would die if our economies crashed hard from lack of that one essential resource?

Will H., Oakland, California

Wow, what a huge bunch US haters. Lets see what can the UN do or any nation in fact if the country they want to change ignores them? Do you think telling Mugabe he is a bad boy is going th change his policies? Do you think censuring him or putting some trivial sanctions on him (ala Iran or NK) will change him? Until you people (talking mostly about Europe here) will back up what you say with the blood of you're people, you are hollow. How do you get the bully to stop being a bully? You bloody his nose and let him know you will not be bullied. Europe sans Britain maybe, will not back up itself with military power. You decry America (those of you who say its an oil thing make me wonder who all benefits from a secure oil supply, I guess we all do) yet we are the only ones capable of backing up what we say with might. While everyone else complains "somebody should do something" as long as its not you huh?

Jeff Hooter, Seabrook, TX

Mugabe's main argument seems to be that allowing Zimbabwe to be owned by its people is equivalent to relinquishing its sovereignty in favour of the old status quo, when the country was an European colony. According to this incredibly convenient argument, it makes sense for Africans to oppress Africans: it's better than being oppressed by outsiders. This no doubt appeals to some African people's sense of pride. At this point in time, allowing democracy to take root would be perceived as intellectual capitulation. It would please Britain and the West. But more importantly - and this is certainly not part of the stated argument -, it would put an end to the copious source of income that corruption represents. Power in some African countries emanates from armed brute force. Now we know where Angola stands. Do we still know where South Africa stands?

Andre de Souza, London, UK

-To all that say Oil is needed to have Coalition involvement to intervene....Baloney. We are not in Iraq for the Oil. This story is just a distraction by liberals who can't face the realities of the terrorists threats. There is no Oil flowing from Iraq to the U.S.

Rick, Quincy , California

As for the Angolan mercenaries, what did you expect?
The ho-hum attiude cocnering Mugabe on the part of "civil rights" leaders in the U. S., Democrats in Congress, liberals in Europe stems, Hollywood, and South Africa stems from one fact: the violence is black-on-black violence, and black solidarity always trumps justice when that kind of violence occurs. Everyone knows Mugabe and his fellow thugs are losers and that they will be dumped into the dusbin of history, along with their new SS puppet allies from Angola, but the longer they are allowed to terrorize the people, the greater the loss to humanity.
Black-on-black violence creates poverty for everyone.

James, Jacksonville, Illinois U. S.

Two of Africas most brutal and corrupt dictators helping each other, one side gets his bullys, the other some practice.
José Eduardo dos Santos is in my opinion an example of the corruption of Sub Saharan Governments, he has one of the worlds largest fortunes form oil and diamonds but his people get no benefit from it.
Worse of all he gets international recognition, including from my own countrys government. hope this sheds some light on the man who has ruled Angola for 28 years.

Luis Ferreira, Porto, Portugal

Either the Angolans are mercenaries and will not stay loyal to Mugabe, or are there for some other political agenda. Either way it's a no win situation for Mugabe.

Ben, York,

Honestly, how can people be so niave to think the UN will do anything to stop this? There's an endless list of UN failures. I'm tired of seeing people beg the US to step in on these things too. We're busy right now. Call back later or solve the problem yourselves. Better yet - get the French or the Germans to do something for once.

Brian, Syracuse, USA

The US and UK invaded Iraq because Hussein was a dictator who oppressed his people. The difference is, Zimbabwe doesnt have oil like Iraq, so who cares!

Phillip, Morrisburg, Ontario Canada

Let me get this straight. These countries can't manage to do anything about a clearcut case of genocide in Darfur. However, they can arrange for thugs to suppress their own people. The AU, like its predecessor the OAU, is a joke. By the way where are the South African troops for Darfur?

paul, Petersburg, usa/virginia

Magabe is a mad man, not just a racist. His days are numbered. Bringing in Angolan "thugs" is just one more desperate attempt to keep his powers from slipping away. Long ago he surrended any moral culpability. His own people are finally realizing that all that he has accomplished has been to iimpoverish his nation and lead it the brink of disaster. A disaster that looms on the horizon.

Jeaux White, Odessa, Texas, USA

Blair: George, have you seen this problem in Zimbabwe?
Bush:WHere, never heard of it!
Blair, its a country in Africa, the people are been terrorised by a tyrant dictator
Bush:Does'Zumbabu' have oil?
Blair: no we pilaged all their resources years ago
Bush: ok, no interest so.

Will the UN fiddle about til we have milllions more poor African suffer. Its time to act now, will the real UN please stand up!!!

cormaquinho, Madrid, Spain

No Oil thats why nobody cares.

robert, Swansea, Carm

To Sue Shaw of Morpeth, why do you say the people of Zimbabwe are innocent? They voted the man into power and therefore they are responsible for the outcome. Maybe the last couple of elections were rigged, but what about the earlier ones that enabled to him grab power in the first place? Or perhaps you feel as I do, that universal suffrage is a mistake in a country where most people are not qualified to make a reasoned choice. In which case one could argue that democracy was imposed on them by the British government et al; and thus they are innocent. Anybody could vote in Rhodesia, provided he or she was old enough, educated enough and rich enough. The qualifications were not overly demanding and many balck people were able to vote. But at least it meant that voters were more likely to think about who and what they were voting for. In the last election Mugabe was able to buy votes for a few bags of maize. So much for democracy.

Joe, Cape Town,

Introducing the Angolans deprives Mugabe of his fig leaf that this is an internal matter for Zimbabwe. Other African leaders, especially Mr. Mbeki, can no longer ignore this. They must act decisively against Mugabe and the Angolans.

Bill, Terrace, BC , CANADA

I sit here wondering where the reaction from the UN is coming from. They sit quiet whilst another attrocity in the making starts to rumble, where is the new more rapis Human Rights council, what are they doing? I am a big advocator of the UN but their lack of rapid response in times of crisis really dis-heartens me. As we all know prevention is better than cure.

Paul Custance, London, UK

It's not a civil war that is in the offing Peter, it's a coup -

Catherine, Cape Town,

How long will it take before the UN and AU realise that telling Mugabe he's been "a bad boy" dosn't actually do anything? Although this is slightly better than Mbeki's attitude of "I'll ignore it and it'll go away".

The AU has to wake up and understand that speaking out against Mugabe doesn't weaken them, rather it actually would make them look more credible in the eyes of the world. Diplomatic solidarity (or cronyism?) in Africa (regarding this matter) between African nations is useless and tantamount to condoning the violence if to "protect the dignity of the continent" you allow one maniac to abuse and kill thousands.

Swallow your pride and do something positive.

Clive, BCN , Spain

The country can not afford to pay for fuel or electricity and other necessary imports because of depleted foreign currency reserves. Why in the world would you waste more forex on borrowed paramilitaries. But then I guess its expected when fearful dictatorship trying to stop the unstoppable rules the country. I wonder what Thabo Mbeki thinks of this recent development.

Taff, Stoke-on-trent, UK

of course the UK and Belgium and other EU countries are not going to stop Mugabe.
Where do you all think he buys his bullets from? and sells his Diamonds to.
Shut down Mugabe and Hatton Garden diamond centre suffers badly, likewise Antwerp, Amsterdam and other smutty diamond centres

AB, london,

Absolutely amazing.... under thinly veiled excuses Mugabe is now bringing in Angolan "mercenaries" to prop up his regime. He fears a reaction from his own millitary, from his own party and from his own people, so he's brought in the Angloans to surpress the lot of them. Mugabe is a racist, he has marginalised his fellow countrymen (white and black), impoverished the nation and now brings a foreign force into Zimbabwe to prop up his corrupt and inept regime.... here is a glaring example of why I for one am against any aid whatsoever for Africa unless its tied to political stability. Other African nations need to take care as it is they who are the only ones who can influence the situation, that they are not doing so reflects very badly indeed on them and equally encourages the cycle of corruption and poor governance which is at the root of most of Africas problems. Africa needs to be seen to making a stand on these issues.... but I predict it won't until its too late.

anthony harrisson, london,

i must protest, david nigel braham. not everything can be our fault. should we assume culpability for every foul act committed by despots and fundamentalists the world over? insurgents in iraq and now brutality in zimbabwe. south africa must act on this issue. our revulsion and censure must be directed solely at mugabe.

a hann, london, UK

Mugabe is being very foolish in letting a force of Angolan "police thugs" loose in Zimbabwe, they will turn every God fearing citizen against them and ZANU PF. Their will be no winners but I hope this is not an excuse for more of the same to establish themselves in Zimbabwe, and just about impossible to remove at a later stage.

Mike, Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire

Whilst I feel a great deal of pity for the injured and killed I hark back to the days when the majority of Zimbabweans fought and died to bring in this man and his ilk.....Mugabe has done the classic dictatorship move of 'get the prize and screw the cost'......
He has ruined the country which has the mineral wealth to 'die for'.......no oil as far as I know though, so that rules out the US invasion!
He (and his cronies)knows they are despised both at home and abroad but have too much to lose to just leave.......RSA will do little......I hear nothing from Mandele! possibly the one man who might have some impact...
I fear a civil war is in the offing.......

Peter, Tamworth, UK

I read some of your subscribers comments and cannot believe the naivete re: Mbeki ,UN , AU . When did Mbeki ever make a decision , and the UN is just a gravy train , come on people wake up .

Ed Allen, Whitby, Canada

Why don't they take him out? Because there is nothing to get in Zimbabwe.....no oil !! So no reason to go in there and save the lifes of innocent people. With the angolan army going in there....this will be a masacre.

T.A., paris, france

The DRC in reverse?

Mugabe has not 'lost the plot'; he is not 'mad'.... He knows exactly what he is doing and knows that he can get away with it. The world stood by whilst Rwanda and Burundi tore themselves apart, and watched the Congo kill millions of its own people. The world now expresses 'concern' about Darfur, but that's about it.

International law helps no-one but the tyrants. Sanctions, diplomacy and hot air mean nothing to the people in Zimbabwe who have suffered brutality, abuse and starvation for over 20 years now. Action is required by the UN and the AU and NOW!!!

Incidently, Mugabe has been in power for nearly twice the time that Ian Smith was in control - isn't it time Smith was vindicated?

Scott Burdett, Guildford, Surrey

MUGAGE or NO MUGABE that is the question. SANCTIONS to DRC or to any cooperating with evil regimes should be imposed. Wakey Wakey United Nations.....some people in Africa need your help.
MUGAGE and his accolades are a weapon of mass destruction....

edward, london, uk

Let us make sure that no money from the UK reaches this murderous dictator, that he is diplomatically isolated and that Zimbabe is no longer part of the Commonwealth. He is a dictator and well beyond the edge of reason. He has grown very rich on UK handouts. Let us hope that this government has the courage to stop this gravy train now. Oh, and has anyone heard from Madge (Beckett).

Karen, Macclesfield, UK

We sent in troops to Sierra Leone when the situation became bad. Why do we hesitate now? After all it was a British Crown Colony & we only handed it over 25 odds years ago. Surely, as with SL, we have an interest in ensuring the well being of the country & wish to see its people enjoy their liberty. Rhodesia was the bread basket of Africa now its a mess run by a dictator. Firm evidence that the Africans are still trible & can't run a bath. If Blair expects the European states to help then he is in the clouds. The Europeans - other than Germany - don't have the guts to do anything that is unless we pay them, ie the Poles. If anyone should do something its South Africa, but they won't interfer in another black African run state, as its too close to home. Interestingly, it was SA who pulled the plug on the Rhodesians during their bush war & brokered a deal with the freedom fighters. Anyway, Africa is sick & will stay sick yet, Blair gives millions to them including Mugabe!

James, Winchester, UK

To Martin in Melbourne

Angola WAS NOT Belgian Congo. Former Belgian Congo is now Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Angola was a Portuguse colony and they speak that language not French nor Flemish.

I totally agree that it is a scandal and that "black solidarity" hides all sorts of abuses.

Patricia, London

Patricia, London, UK

Thank You Annette, my mistake, after a bit more thought Angola was previously a Portugese colony and suffered the same way. Thanks again

martin, melbourne, australia

It is horrific the way in which Mugabe is turning against the people who trusted him and previously viewed him as a liberator.

I agree that the US, the UK and the EU could do more, but the situation is complicated. Any time the UK makes any complaints about Zimbabwe, Mugabe accuses them of neo-colonialism, and the same could be said for the US and the EU. The best solution would be for the AU to get involved and most importantly, for South Africa and especially Thabo Mbeki to show disapproval, with a willingness to follow it up with actions. However, Mbeki is unlikely to do anything. He fears losing support at home.

Lisa, London,

I find it hard to believe that the Angolan government, which is heavily advertising investment opportunities in their newly peaceful country, is even considering going down this route. How much money will they lose in lost investments compared to the revenue they receive for these 'paramilitaries'?

Coming from Ireland it is obvious that only when real and true peace is reached, i.e. no more para's on either side, can the 'peace dividend' be realised. Angola still has some lessons to learn.

Will Holden, Dublin, Ireland

Birds of a feather flock together.
The truth of the matter is,the Europeans are to blame if he is still in power.

David Nigel Braham, Milan, italy

Another shocking news report from Planet Zim! Mugabe may as well be on another planet as he appears to be so far removed from the realities of this world and thus far untouchable. Let’s just hope and pray that this hostile move by the Angolans does not trigger other players in the Southern African region to get involved with a "military solution", as that could only lead to another Sudan!

Nick Glen, London,

This week we've seen alot of dogs barking, but none biting. This poor country is in a complete mess, with it's mad dictator oppressing everyone who dares go agaisnt his word.Thousands have been murdered over his 25+ year rein, and still no one acts.
America and her allies were quick to go into Iraq, claiming they were a nuclear threat...but no sign of any serious nuclear capabilities were found once the invasion was over, well to be honest it still isn't over, and the whole invasion was mismanaged (to say the least) from the start, but thats another argument.
What will it take for America and her allies to do something in Zimbabwe? Oil will be my guess. The UN, as far as I am concerned does great with relief work and healthcare, but we all know only one political body ever steps up to the plate when it wants something done, which alot of the time has proven disastrous, but atleast they have tried to stop what they believed to be evil.
Mugabe is clearly nuts!Can't anyone do anything?

AS, Malta,

What is happening in Zimbabwe is dreadful and the AU ought to do something instead of letting its members bolster Mugabe's evil regime. By the way, the former Belgian Congo is now the DRC, not Angola.

Annette, Kampala, Uganda

How much blood must be split before action is taken? Its time to step in and support the Zimbabwean people before its to late. Dont wait to arrive on the scene only in time to bury the dead.

Pat, Cape Town, South Africa

Nothing will happen in Zimbabwe - I just wonder how Mugabe can pay these Angloans. No doubt he has funds from Britain or the EU to do so. The back-story is probably that Britain and the EU don't mind what he does - I find it impossible to believe Angola would dare antagonise those who fund SADC otherwise.

I simply do not believe the British and EU Governments have anything more than words to put out - after all Kosovo was minor compared to Zimbabwe. If only the British Government had not destroyed Sandline !

TomTom, Leeds, England

The Hitlerite Mugabe now has his own SS, they have no ties of either blood or family or tribe to Zimbabwe, this is the ultimate nightmare for Zimbabwe's opposition party. I fear for that wonderful countries future, what was once a jewel in the african crown will descend into warfare as sure as did Angola. The horror that was Belgian Congo (Angola) and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) will reignite. Mugabe will eventually go but what will be left for the people to build on?.

martin, melbourne, australia

This is the worst possible news for the innocent poor people of Zimbabwe. The international community absolutely must take action now - under a strong UN mandate.

Sue Shaw, Morpeth, UK

Blair would have done better to deploy British resources to Zimbabwe rather than Iraq. Especially when at the time around 10,000 British passport holders were out there. Someone has too help the poor Zimbabweans out soon, they have suffered enough already.

Chris, Seoul, Korea

The question is when is the UN or Commonwealth going to move against Mugabe. Lots of finger waving and "now see here young man" strutts and in the meantime the population are being brutalised and cut off from the World.

For at start the UN should at least advise Angola to keep its Ninjas at home.

Michael, London,

Where are all the Anti-Rhodesian , Anti-Ian Smith , been nowhere done nothing liberals of 30 / 40 years ago now , hey you got exactly what you wanted but of course you did'nt realise the consequences - we did so you guys enjoy it , and prepare yourselves for mutilation of women and children on a grand scale , tyrants commit their worst atrocities in retreat and Mugabes on the run.

Ed Allen, Whitby, Canada