Scores of children and babies have been locked up in filthy prison cells in
Harare as Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s president, sinks to new depths in his
campaign to force the opposition into exile before an expected run-off in
presidential elections.
Twenty-four babies and 40 children under the age of six were among the 250
people rounded up in a raid on Friday, according to Nelson Chamisa,
spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Yesterday
they were crammed into cells in Southerton police station in central Harare.
“This is ruthlessness of the worst kind. How can you incarcerate children
whose mothers have fled their homes hoping to give their children refuge?”
asked an emotional Chamisa yesterday. “In Mugabe’s Zimbabwe even children
are not spared the terror that befalls their parents.”
The families were rounded up from MDC headquarters, where they had sought
refuge from violence in the countryside.
Thought to be directed by top military officers, Operation Where Did You Put
Your Cross? has prompted thousands to flee. They are trying to escape the
so-called war veterans, who are attacking people and burning down hundreds
of houses for voting “incorrectly” in last month’s elections.
“What we’re seeing is an undeclared civil war,” said Chamisa. “It’s genocide.
This situation is out of control, it’s now beyond the capacity of the MDC
alone. It requires the region, the continent, the international community to
act.”
Four weeks after the elections, official results have still not been released
for presidential polls widely thought to have been won by Morgan Tsvangirai,
the MDC leader.
Simultaneous parliamentary elections saw the ruling Zanu-PF party lose its
28-year-long majority. The election commission is engaged in the recount of
23 constituencies after regime claims that they had been rigged by the
opposition. None of the results has been overturned in the 14 so far
announced. Even if the remaining nine were to go to Zanu-PF it still would
not have won a majority.
While some Zimbabweans see a glimmer of hope in this, Mugabe has remained
defiant in the face of international condemnation. Most expect the regime to
announce that no candidate won a majority in the presidential election and
to order a run-off next month which Mugabe will ensure that he wins.
“The only game in town is a run-off,” said George Sibotshiwe, Tsvangirai’s
spokesman. “The recount was just to buy them time to smash people’s heads
in, so when they go for a run-off nobody will even be thinking of voting.”
The regime’s strategy is to ensure that by the time of the run-off, Mugabe
would have a clean sweep in rural areas, where 70% of Zimbabweans live. A
police officer admitted yesterday that he had been instructed not to
interfere with war veterans as they carry out their campaign of terror.
At the same time the opposition leadership has been driven into hiding or
abroad. Tsvangirai fled Zimbabwe two weeks ago after he was charged with
treason for “conspiring with the British to oust Mugabe”.
“I am unable to return home for fear of my life,” he wrote in The Washington
Post last week.
On the ground the party’s network of district officials is being decimated.
Tichanzii Gandanga, the MDC election agent for Harare province, can barely
walk after he was beaten and left for dead.
Four men arrived at his offices in central Harare at about 6pm on Wednesday.
“They told me I knew my crimes and so I had to confess,” said Gandanga.
“They blindfolded me, bundled me into a truck, then drove for a long
distance, beating me on the head, on the back, everywhere. They played loud
music so that no one could hear my cries. I don’t know how I survived.”
As he was being beaten, Gandanga was questioned about the whereabouts of
Tsvangirai. Eventually he was dumped in the bush. He managed to crawl to a
main road where he was picked up and taken to the head of a nearby village.
For two days Gandanga was nursed by villagers. Eventually he got word to his
relatives who moved him to a private hospital.
Ten people have been killed so far, according to the MDC, including a
five-year-old boy who was burnt to death in a hut. The first victim on April
12 was Tapiwa Mubwanda, 54, the organising secretary for the MDC for
Hurungwe East.
According to his widow they were on their way back to their village when they
saw a group of Zanu-PF youth militia. While she fled into the bush with
their children, her husband and his elder brother were beaten with rocks.
“They said, ‘You voted for the MDC, now we want to do this in order to teach
you to vote. You wasted your vote by voting for Tsvangirai. He will never be
the president of Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe will remain, so we want to teach
you to vote’.”
When she crept out of hiding her husband was dead.
Another MDC activist, Manyika Kashiri, 55, of Chigumbu village in Uzumba, had
his foot smashed by an axe when militias stormed into his shack at midnight
on Tuesday. Kashiri woke after a bang at his door and rocks smashing against
his windows. When he emerged, he was hit with a log by one of the militias
and another tried to chop off his right foot with an axe in front of his
grandchildren, one of whom was just four.
“We’re seeing a major increase in government-sponsored violence,” said
Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
“The ruling party has been sending its allies after people it thinks voted for
the opposition. Now anyone seen as opposing Mugabe is in danger.”
One activist, a 25-year-old fitter in hiding in Bulawayo, told The Sunday
Times how he and two colleagues had been picked up by intelligence officers
and forced to eat a poster of Tsvangirai. “You like him so much, now eat
him,” they told him.
“Every day that passes, hope is seeping away,” said an aid worker in Zimbabwe.
“This could very easily end up being yet another stolen election.”
Zimbabwe’s churches said yesterday that they had opened up their premises to
victims of the violence.
Church leaders worldwide have declared today to be a day of prayer for
Zimbabwe. “The current climate of political intimidation, violence,
vote-rigging and delay has left the presidential election process without
credibility,” read a statement from two senior Anglican archbishops, Rowan
Williams and John Sentamu. “Now the people of Zimbabwe are left even more
vulnerable to conflict heaped upon poverty and the threat of national
disintegration.”
International pressure has continued. The top US envoy for Africa, Jendayi
Frazer, assistant secretary of state, has declared Tsvangirai the clear
winner of the presidential vote.
Tsvangirai has spent the past two weeks travelling round Africa trying to drum
up support to pressure Mugabe to step down. After the weak response from
Thabo Mbeki, the South African president, focus has shifted to the African
Union (AU). Its chairman Jikaya Kikwete, president of Tanzania, has
privately said that he would be willing to consider convening a summit on
Zimbabwe.
Britain is hoping to get the United Nations involved and has managed to put
Zimbabwe on the agenda of the UN security council this week. Proposals
include an arms embargo and sending a UN envoy to Harare “with a tough
message”.
At the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Friday, Mugabe was
defiant. “When the West, led by the British, shamelessly continue to
denounce our country, what is our crime?” he asked. “We are simply defending
our hard-won national sovereignty.”
Sorry folks. Mugabe is Zimbabwe's problem, just like Hussein should have been Iraq's problem, and just like King George IV is the United States' problem. They wanted independence; let them deal with it themselves. My government and the UK's government need to mind their own business.
For Once.
Jonathan, Denver, United States
A government of national unity under the leadership of Mr RG Mugabe is the shining path to freedom and peace. The opposition have a role to play and should be rewarded with a number of cabinet posts. Mr T Mbeki has already done a great deal to solve these problems –more than any other lead
Winston Nkomo-Mason, Johannesburg, South Africa
I am deeply distressed on a day when all Christian churches were asked to pray for Zimbabwe we read of babies and children being removed from their mothers and thrown into a filthy prison. The Times on Monday nor on BBC NEWS did not mention of this atrocity. WHY?
how many will die and nothing done?
A Fraser-Darling, Caythopr, Linolnshire
I am so happy that so many are finally waking up to the realities of Africa. It's just a pity it has taken so long. Imagine the misery & suffering that may have been avoided ifthe western governments had listened to the warnings.So it's just one more to go 'down the tubes' into total chaos & ruin.
Graham Richards, Brisbane, Australia
As the Archbishop of Panama once said: sovereignty is not absolute, when he supported the U.S. overthrow of its leader. With unemployment at 80 percent and inflation at 100,000 percent even before the scandals and atrocities of the elections, Zimbabwe has forfeited sovereignty.
Richard L.A. Schaefer, Dubuque,Iowa, USA
This has to end now. Thabo Mbeki needs to see reality and take action. People are suffering on a daily basis, while the world and African leaders sit around and wait. What are they waiting for? More bloodshed. How can someone get away with so much? Has no-one any courage?
S Mills, London, United Kingdom
It can't happen here...
Mark Tele, Sacramento, USA
Mugabe rules by fear. However, he is just an old man and I cannot understand why the people around him don't stand up to him. Perhaps the international community should put him and his supporting ' cronies' on trial for genocide.
Kim Domnick, Torquay, UK
Africa was better off under colonialism (with the exception of Belgium's territories).
Once the European powers left, African nations WITHOUT EXCEPTION plunged themselves into chaos, brutality and savagery.
Bob C, Austin TX, USA
If you cast your mind back to the 70's, Mugabe and his gangsters were doing exactly the same thing. In fact he has been doing the same thing all along - for 36 years!! The only reason Mugabe won the 1980 elections is because his thugs were visiting the same treatment upon the nation as they are now.
Graham, Maidenhead, UK
It is interesting to see how the second richest country on the African continent "Southern Rhodesia" has become a pauper country in thirty years. The population of that country made the mistake, if they want it corrected they should do it for themselves.
Laker, Minneapolis, USA
Why is Nelson Mandela silent about these atrocities, including Mbeki's failure to address the issue? Mandela is very much alive - or is there perhaps silence in agreement?
Walter, New Zealand
Walter, Auckland, New Zealand
The British 'shouldn't' do anything. The Zimbabweans wanted independence and to be ruled by one of their own. My generation has been brought up to constantly feel guilt over anything bad that happens in any part of the world where we once had influence. Don't expect any gratitude if we help out.
Louise, London,
Why has a snipers bullet not found this man. Is it because the alternative is just as bad.
Ron, Penrith, uk
This is entirely an African problem, which the Africans will have to deal with. Almost every country in Africa has some form of corrupt government or dictatorship or a war in progress. Most are post colonial, and all wanted thier independance, well they have got it, and must accept the reality
mick, Bkara, malta
What happens in africa isn't a western problem. The US and also the EU should remain inside their borders and mind their own business.
Marco, Milan,
Countries are a lot like corporations; they are not charities. They act in the interests of their shareholders (voters), and their shareholders alone. If the voting public decided that this was more important than Iraq, than Afghanistan, than the economy, then the US would absolutely intervene.
Peter, New Jersey, USA
Mabhunu Muchapera, London, UK: How about you go there and put your money where your mouth is then, instead of enjoying the standard of living in London.
Chris D, Edinburgh, Scotland
If the US geared up its forces to take out Mugabe we'd hear no end of "Give peace a chance", and "US imperialists" and "Bush lied", blah, blah, blah. OK you gutless European wonders, here's your chance to show the US how to do it right. Should I hold my breath?
David, Calgary, Canada
It is now time for International troops to go in and get rid of this "Hitler" figure called Mugabe. He clearly is not going to go willingly and we in the West have stood by for too long now. Send the tropps in and kill Mugabe and his regime and get the MDC in power as they roghtly should be.
Steven, London, UK
Zimbabweans will not allow anyone supported by UK to rule Zimbabwe, yes they are prepared to defend Zimbabwe by whatever means necessary. Even us in the Diaspora we can see the hidden hand, it`s like surrender your land, your mines and natural resources.
Mabhunu Muchapera, London, UK
Anyone waiting for the UN to stop this will wait til hell freezes over. The UN is run by thugs like Mugabe.
The EU is all high and mighty so you DO SOMETHING.
It would be fine with me if Mugabe and his henchmen got their brains blown out but if the US did it, the EU would be outraged. Admit it
Robert, Mission, Kansas, US
er, pardon me, but recently America tried to help in somalia and did help end the slaughter in yugo, while the euros stood by quivering. Why do folks automatically look to the US to solve the world's problems, and then lie to blame us if we don't. I'm beginning not to care anymore.
Dave, Acworth, USA
The trade unions of South Africa have taken a stand and all credit to them, Mr Vavi, you should be knighted for your courage. They have motivated a very cruicial move against Mugabe which will change the political scene in Southern Africa.
Brian Andrews, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
How can the world sit back and watch all of this that is going on in Zimbabwe? We have sat still for far too long; people have used the media blackout as a way of pretending that we didn't know what has been happening. It has gone too far to continue this pretence.
What happened to 'never again'?
Samantha Novak, London, England
My deepest sympathy is with Grace Mugabe, I can't stand the sight of Robert on a picture let alone sit in the same house with him. This is not about Africans, it's not about Zimbabweans, it is about helping humanity regain sanity. If you were Zimbabwean you would be faced with the same predicament.
Harmony, Bournemouth, UK
Blessed are those who can change govt simply by elections
Harmony, Bournemouth, UK
Why if Bush and Blair decided to rid Iraq of Saddam for so called 'humanitarian reasons' why wasn't this evil man dealt with eons ago? Oops, silly me, Zimbabwe's slightly lacking in the required natural resources...
Phillie L Hall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
How can the leaders of African countries, particularly those of South Africa, stand by and do nothing?
Shame on them.
Shan, Cheltenham,
Zimbabweans have shown courage voting against a tryant whilst knowing that his response would be violent and they would loose their homes to fire and their bones would be broken. However the world watches this horror film unfolding doing little to stop it
PETERROSS, LONDON, UK
I tried to pick the most far flung place in the world where i thought someone wouldnt blame America. Yet here too i see it. It wasnt the USA that left Africa in a mess. It was the colonial powers who inslaved half the globe for economic reasons that did. Bush told Mugabe to kidnapp babies? Sick.
William Carson, Atlanta , USA
Ian Smith a "monster"? The black population were doing better than anywhere else in Africa. Dear Lord Carrington thinks Mugabe is a unique abberation. Smith knew better. He had the basic interests of the people of Zimbabwe in mind.
David, Bromley,
If Zimbabwe had oil like Iraq then the US would have declared Mugabe an international sponsor of terrorism and invaded, but instead they are turning a blind eye to the violence, as an African problem. Hypocrisy at its very worst.
Yorkie, Amsterdam,
And the world does NOTHING.
Timothy L. Pennell, Naugatuck, United States
An entire generation of starry eyed hippies ensured the creation of Zimbabwe and 'Africa for the Africans' , with none other than the glorious crocodile, Mugabe himself, at the head of the table. Well, you got what you wanted.
Now this is an African problem, let the Africans fix it.
Shane, Guildford, England
Tin pot ruler with a tin pot army and our leaders are leaving him incarcerate children and babies.
How pathetic and immoral do Bush and Brown seem now,where there's oil there's a Yank waiting to grab it.
Where there's injustice and gemocide not a Yank or Brit to be seen.
N Morgan, Stockport, UK
Kofi went to Kenya. And achieved something....
Mike L, Chippenham, Wilts
Zim is a problem that Africa needs to sort out itself. Unfortunately SA will never stand strong against Mugabe because Zim pretty much helped SA win its freedom by supplying weaponry, military skills and a safe place to stay. I would be surprised if Jacob Zuma does anything to help save Zim
Bianca, Durban, South Africa
Mr. Mugabe: you are no longer a leader but a ruthless criminal!!
I was in Wankie (Hwange) from '82 to '87 and by then you were aalready a criminal!! Thousands of innocent people were killed and complete villages destroyed by your RED ARMY, just because they were Nkomo supporters!! Shame on you!!
John Trindade, Hong Kong, China
When things were declassified it turned out that Mugabee was put in charge by the Americans.
I guess in retrospect our allies shouldn't have interfered in their elections.
Just like it should stop interfering in Iraq's elections with pre-election attacks on popular leaders.
Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada
To all those bleating about UK not intervening because there is no oil. Well Darfur has oil- loads of it! Yet we didn't intervene there even though we have mining rights! The oil argument is a bit lame.I agree with some of the others though about Nelson Mandela- why the silence, Nelson ??
Jo, Solihull, UK
If the US and UK can send 250 000 troops into Iraq for no good reason other than realistically get rid of a tyrant, then just find out where Mugabe is and fire a missile straight at him.
Nobody will really care. Honestly who does?
Next time he is in a plane shoot it down. Simple. Job done.
John S, Brighton, UK
This is what happens politically in Africa. One dictator is replaced by another. We send money, supplies and support, only to feed further corruption. What about caring for the people next to you? Let's be realistic, not stupid. We need to clean up our own back yard, homeless people are dying in LA.
Jennifer, Los Angeles, CA, USA
They are going to send in a chap with a blue hat in about week with a "tough message", how many more people will have been forced out of there homes or worse by then, and do you think Mugabe will listen or even recognise the UN. Jo is right we learn nothing from the past and act to late.
Pete, Newport, England
Rhodesia and SA were run by whites. Blacks were servants and slaves, second class. The countries were run beautifully, efficiently and there was food. The blacks fought for self-rule. They have freedom now - and traditional black African violence, corruption, economics and food. They've chosen.
Tim, London, UK
The comment "Evil flourishes when good men do nothing" could not apply more. We, the world are watching this man Mugabe burn down his country with terror, violence, beatings and complete wrecking of his own countries economy. It is to our shame we do nothing.. It is to Africa's shame as well.
Phil A, Headley, Hampshire
People stating things like 'this happen in Texas & Australia etc..' Im not too sure what your point is. Just because similar things have happened all over the world does not make it acceptable in this instance. Shouldn't we take a stance on all acts of brutality? What are the African Nations doing?
Kelly Thompson, London, UK
Don't expect the UN to do anything other than perhaps pass a resolution something this year . Then next year they will pass another resolution stating they will do something, and the year aftr, and the year after.
Nona, New York City, USA
Can the world and its mother leave Zimbabweans to solve their own problems? Zimbabweans (the majority) are fed up with this kind of propaganda. Why is the international media only taking its cue from members of the opposition MDC utterances? Who on earth jails babies? Be real. Zimbabwe is
peaceful.
chenzira, London,
Kevin/USA. Whilst I agree with you in general, may I interest you in a bit of history. In 1976, Kissinger forced Smith to have a one man one vote election. This took place in 1979 and a black government was duly elected with 64% of the population voting. Carter and Andrew Young renaged on the deal.
Graham, Maidenhead, UK
If Mbeki and the rest of the African leaders don't help sort out this Zimbabwe mess then I'm afraid they must be considered as corrupt as Mugabe. They prove, through lack of condemnation and/or action, that they are all be in league with one another.
Joe, France,
why is nelson mandela not doing anything
f. palmer, folfestone, kent
It falls to the few to stand up to injustice in their own country. It is they who can best affect change. Need to think about how we can support the opposition in Zimbabwe. Media attention so they know they are not alone, refuge when they need it in adjoining countries, money, prayer,...
Russ W, Melbourne, Australia
Remember how cool Mugabe was when western people thought he just killed white farmers? All those honorary degrees and such. The sad fact is that the vast majority were far better off under that monster Ian Smith!
I wonder if South Africa won't eventually go down a similar road...
Cecil, Chicagoland,
Definitely don't want the US to try and fix this one. As I read last week in LA 'support the US contribution to World Peace and screw up something simple today'. Kofi Annan and the moderate African leaders represent our best hope for a resolution.
Jim, Nairobi, Kenya
Where the hell is the world military???? In Iraq? Where are the peace keepers...this is 2008, intervention is needed, no committees, have them after a military peace keeping force enters the country......and stops this.
Shaun, Hamilton, New Zealand
Maybe Ian Smith was on to something afterall. Rhodesia was self-supporting and could have been modified. The current illegal and pre-rigged regime is committing inconceivable inhumane treatment of their own countrymen. The US and it's allies will have to take action as no one else has the bal*ls.
Paul, Saint Louis, US
Since when did Britain state caring about Zimbabwe or Africa? What has it done about the genocide in Darfur, or the disaster in Somalia and Ethiopia? SINCE WHEN? Is the answer that Britain hates Mugabe more than it loathes other Africans?
Onipa Pa, Washington, DC,
Touche' Brian,
Until our leaders can see this situation from a moralistic and humanitarian perspective nothing will be done to help the poor people of Zimbabwe. Is this going to be another Rwanda, or Somalia? Too little too late, have we not learnt anything from the past. UN Act Now
Jo, Melbourne, Australia
We should care more about Zimbabwe and less about Tibet. (The FLDS children get pregnant at age 14 or so, normally so obviously there is sexual abuse and statutory rape. We care about incest and rape of one child in one family, in this situation its hundreds who need protection from their parents)
Jason, Salem,
If only Zimbabwe had some oil...perhaps then the USA and Britain would intervene?
Robert Brett, Laindon, UK
UN envoys with tough messages are not going to solve the problem, Mugabe laughs at them. No-one is going to invade either. The only one who can sort this out is Mbeki, or Zuma if we wait till Mbeki goes. Put the screws on SA and they will have to sort it out whether they like it or not
David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia
Thabo Mbeki is either as toothless as the United Nations in this matter or is complicite with Mugabe. Why won't he condemn this madman?
Thank God I have left the criminal madness behind!
Ex south African.
John Niemeyer, Geraldton, Australia
As always the bottom line is : What's in it for us? The US would willingly go there if there was oil or uranium in Zimbabwe. But as it is there is only Mugabe the Tyrant, so it is not worth the lives of anyone.
The British should go in and protect its farmer citizens.
Alfonso DeMayo, Vancouver, Canada
Is this no different to the war in iraq?
A ruthless cold hearted leader and a cold hearted army setting out to dictate and control. Becuase there is no oil for America to fight for they will not get involved.
Pack up the troops - Iraq, Afganistan, send the worlds troops to Africa NOW!
MARK - Social Worker, Bendigo, Australia
It wasn't hard to see that Mugabe and his government were going to take this approach. Why in the hell do UN executives continue to sit on their hands when it was obvious years ago that Mugabe and co don't negotiate or compromise on power.
Sometimes a hard line is the only line to take.
Paul, Hamilton, New Zealand
Dear Jackie from Canada, Bush was not President during the Rwandan crisis, typical leftist blather. Zimbabwe is a UK colonial issue, not a global crisis, and if it were, why not aim your misplaced anger at the UN. What has Canada done lately to solve a humanitarian crisis?
Pete, Newport Beach, USA
What did the world expect? Of course, this Crazed Thug, this Power-Hungry Brute will continue to hold onto power, in any which way possible. The International community, and especially African Politicians, have failed Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean people. Shame on them all!
Ross Dix-Peek, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Tragedy isn't a strong enough word - a whole young generation is being traumatised because of one man's tyrannical greed. It's a total disgrace and a particular shame on the neighbouring African countries for standing by and letting it happen. God help Africa.
Sue Shaw, Morpeth, UK
How can the world sit and watch innocent people being burnt,beaten and litrally slaughtered......how long do they have to wait to intervene?????? what they worried about??????? Bin Laden was a threat....Hassein, well maybe.....mugabe's just a power freak monkey......................................
Duncs, Potsmouth ,
Disgusting and shameful why is being allowed?
We in 'the west' call ourselves "Christians"?
Payback time will come "for us the spectators.
This is a crime against humanity.
Daily the atrocities increase and we sit and watch.
Doing nothing shame on you all that sit idly by.
Your turn is coming
John Alldis, Murwillumbah NSW, Australia
hmmm...
would be better to take a visit to Zimbabwe, rather than reading a newspaper (a British one at that!).
In any case a story about babies being mistreated sounds like an attempt to push up public opinion against that Mugabe guy (esp. since the dude is still in power).
John, Melbourne, Australia
Unfortunatley, we have the joker in the African Pack, Mkebi. What a joke he is, no wonder he is not wanted as a negotiater.
I suppose he will just say the children are not "his" so it does not matter !
Riz Gohir
Birmingham
riz gohir, birmingham,
Mugabe isn't half the monster Saddam was. So,if the U.S. does anything,twice as many people will hate us for it. I think we'll pass.
perry, marrero, USA
Most of you complain when the US intervenes in the world, then you complain when they don't as well. It seems that no matter what the US does, you will never be happy. The Brits created the problems in Zimbabwe. Let them and the Africans fix it. The US is tired of being your policeman. Sod Off!
Kevin, Rowlett, USA
Absolutely disgusting. The whole world watches these atrocities in virtual silence. Shame on the US, the UK and African governments on letting this pyscho continue to oppress the will of his people and slaughter Zimbabwe's citizens.
G, London, UK
I cannot see why an armed intervention should not take place, and charge Mugabe with his crimes. What is the UN doing ? This just proves the theory that no one is interested in a country where there is no riches . and US is specially not interested as they dont have oil ..
Have some shame Mr Mugabe
Pratyush, Ranchi, India
Bush cannot control the resources there, so nothing will be done...just like Rwanda...too little to late. If the had oil, suddenly it would be the greatest tragedy!
Jackie, Toronto, Canada
Regime change is something the "developed" nations go to war for. So why do our governments not act in the case of Zimbabwe and Mugabe?
If we do not act now, are we any better than Mr. Mugabe? He must be laughing at us all. To prove we are not apathetic we must all act, pressure our leaders to act.
Colin Brown, Kendal, Cumbria
If Zimbabwe had OIL, lots of it, there would be a regime change tomorrow! Mugabe would be hunted down like Sadaam, and the country occupied. But there's no oil, so the country will be left to its own devices.
Tony, Asheville, US
Is there any hope at all for this planet?
Iain, Waterloo, Canada
Aren't we sending our tax dollars to this guy? None of this so called AID money gets to where it's suppose to. No wonder he doesn't want to leave or lose power
Shaun, Victoria,
if president mugabe loses power and Tsvangirai becomes new president the UN are most likely to step in that time. to dangerous now to help build the civilisation.
Hamish Drummond, Sydney, Australia
I always dreamed of an African Safari but you can bet I'll NEVER spend a nickle to travel to such a savage and brutal land!
Randy, Edmonton, Canada
Why haven't any of the african leaders condemmed Robert Mugabe for his crimes against humanity! Imagine the uproar from these African leaders including president Mbeki of South Africa if Mugabe was white!
David Handley, WOLVERHAMPTON, England
Freedom belongs to those prepared to fight for it, -who is fighting for it ?--as usual a small group of brave souls., while the population at large runs from it. and probably won't even vote for it next time .There are good people in Zimbawee but they must have the population fight. too
Declan J. Mansfield, Waterford, Ireland
America & The U.K. keep out of this one, it will work itself out.
Let the Africans sort it.
David, Melbourne, Australia
Note that Bush and his fellow gangsters, who claim to be so concerned about human rights and democracy where it suits their purposes to say so, don't even seem to be able to find Zimbabwe on a map...
What if Zimbabwe had lots of oil?
mj
mj, Earlville, NY , USA
Dody, the state of Texas has proof of child abuse! Mugabe's forces are child abusers. How is that the same???
Michele, York, USA
So where are the members of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) or the UN for that matter to intervene in this crisis which is so common in Africa? This is the time for African countries to show guts and leadership! When will African emerge from its chaotic history ? Remember Darfur in Sudan...
Al, Laguna Hills, USA
Something needs to be done, and soon. You'd be more likely to squeeze water from a rock than to get me to say that a situation should be met with force, but (if this article is accurate) force is necessary in this situation. Seriously...what's the holdup?
Patrick, Trumansburg, USA
This is Africa, it's a tough continent. Does any one really believe that another government would be any better for the people in general? Not a chance. It's horible to watch but we need to stay out of it. Let the African Nations sort it out, as if! What a waste of a beautiful country.
Mark, Gloucester, England
I'd take Afghanistan and Panama the way they are now that under the Taliban and Noriega any day. I'm with Dr. Booth, we need to do something. I for one will be letting our UN representatives know that we support the effort to sanction the government in Zimbabwe.
T. Villar, San Diego, CA, USA
Unfortunately the United Nations organisation is a Toothless Tiger and there will never be a decision by the U.N. Security Council as long as China uses it's Veto to stop any action. After all who is supplying Mugabe with his weapons and probably finance since Zimbabwe is bankrupt.
Allan Pope, Paeroa, New Zealand.
When are we going to do something? What can we do to help?
Dr Fraser Booth, Brighton, UK
Yes let's send in a few people with guns and remove the leader by force. That always works out great. Just look at Cuba, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nicaragua, Panama, and so on.
J S, Mountain View, CA,
how many country's are going to help these people?? any hands?? of course not what will it take ?? because this country as no oil ,does that mean let the killers get away with murder etc, where is the UN???? Mugabe is another Hitler,do as I say or else. genocide again,come on world step in, shame!!!
elly, houston, canada
instead of wasting time in Iraq, we should be on the ground in Zimbabwe actually doing some good....
ben, new york, usa
Why US and UN are impotent when it comes to human rights. Does strategic oil reserves more important than defending human rights? Today dictatorial regimes like in Zimbabwe and Uzbekistan defy any international interference. Why Bush administration dropped US stance for democracy? Where is justice?
Zuma, chattanooga, USA
Brian, I second that motion!!! There is nothing in there for Bush, Cheney and Haliburton.
What a shame for South Affrica 's president. Too bad fror him, he won't be able to corrupt his country for 28 years.
Joe, Raleigh, North Carolina
Please read the recent book by Peter Godwin, "WHEN A CROCODILE EATS THE SUN". Godwin is a write/lawyer who was rasied in Zimbabwe and loves his country, but was forced to flee for writing about the atrocities committed by Mugabe and his thugs. This horrific memoir will give you nightmares! Sad..
Eileen, Fayetteville, USA
If the UN cannot take on this situation, and deal with it decisively, then what on earth is the UN for? Which country in the world would vote against a swift invasion to remove and incarcerate Mugabe and his thugs, leaving them for the subsequent gov to bring to trial?
Peter Myers, Reno, USA
The UN? This emasculated debating society? Give me a break. it is the UK's moral responsibility to send a few commandoes to put an end to this disgrace. PM Brown: it is time to stop the dithering and act!
Don michael, Larkspur, California, USA
Did we not learn anything from the Rowanda Genicides just a decade ago? The UN (and all of the civilized world) abandoned them and closed their eyes.
Linda, Baltimore,
It's up to South Africa. They are the big kid on the block. Mbeki has always fawned to Mugabe, I wonder if Mugabe has dirt on him. ANC Chief Zuma is, though, making noises that South Africa should act.
Kalani, California,
Texas> and stole ALL of the children
None of the children recued were EVER put in prison.
Allen, Sament, uk
A UN envoy with a tough message? How about several battalions of royal marines with sub-machine guns? And tanks.
Nick, Sunny Sale, England
If only Zimbabwe was rich in oil, or something of equal interest, they would of got international help by now.
Mugabe is backed into a corner by the election that he lost. once declared non-president, he fears being declared - number-one criminal, and faces many charges against humanity etc.
pete, northolt,
Shame on the West, this despot has for decades ignored these "tough messages". While I agree military action is not ideal, we are very far from an ideal world. REAL action must be taken NOW! Do the western leaders have no conscience? We sit idly watching genocide before our very eyes & do 0, VOTERS?
David Ferguson, Kilmarnock, Scotland, UK
I can't bear to hear these stories of a people abandoned by their president. There is no freedom or justice in this country. Why do people do such terrible things to their own? The only reward is more terror and more poverty. Are these people so very stupid and evil? The UN is really too weak.
JoAnne Bergeson, Redlands, CA, USA
Still the world does nothing.
Babies and children are attacked now; the violence continues.
It is no longer "Africa's" problem - African "leaders" will do nothing - it is a humaitarian crisis!
Act now or have more blod on your hands!
Get rid of the African Stalin/ Hitler.
David H, London, UK
Well I think it is about time we created a UN Intervention Force. About time the UN threw "political correctness" of their intervention actions to the wind - the common Zimbabwean doesn't have time for political correctness. Invade and remove Mugabe from power.
Lachlan, Brisbane, Australia
This man is afraid that if he loses the office of President he will be a target for assassination, as he will not have the protection of his personal bodyguards,or the armoured cars he drives around in. He needs removing, otherwise his country will become a desert of poverty and deprivation.
Ken, West Yorkshire, England
A campaign should be launched to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the brave Leader of the South African stevedores who stood up to Mbeki by turning away the ship carrying arms to Mugabe via South Africa
Trevor Lyttleton MBE, London, UK
Sounds like all the AU can do is consider convening a summit. It's beyond talking now it needs action, send a spy plane over Zimbabwe and see the burning villages do something.I dont think we should be expecting much from other african nations. It is a Humanitarian crissis and a job for the UN.
Julio, Soton, UK
the garden of Eden has now been turned into the garden of evil. First they kill the white farmers and now they kill each other. This is not the worst. Mugabe has worse plans. Stay tuned as the west does nothing whilst the south waits for the spoils of war. Desease is next ,then the fire of iniquity.
joseph ellul, sydney, australia
No, no. We've learned from Iraq that radical, evil dictators are what people in these parts of the world want. They don't want democracy, and we shouldn't "impose" our way of life and democracy on them.
Millard, NYC, NY, USA
I personally feel that we should not meddle in Zimbabwe's political process. British interests are at stake which is why there is such uproar.
We should instead level the playing field and supply the MDC with the ability to hold their own and win back their people's country.
J Lucas, London,
And what about a little understanding? The people (black) were treated like dogs for a very long time, and it takes a good while to stop acting like one. It is indescribable what is happening, but the real pity is that no powerful country has the nuts to really put the screws on economically.
Anton, Bordeaux, France
We sort it out we're racists. We don't sort it out we're racists.
Post colonial guilt stops here. Time for Africa to sort its own problems out.
Oh yes and when they hang Mugabe from a lamp post no aid to rebuild the country. They broke it they fix it.
Niallster, London,
Dody, it's FLDS, and your comparison is ludicrous.
Mugabe is nothing but a ruthless, ego-maniacal little tyrant, and unfortunately there does not yet seem to be enough principle and conscience in the rest of Africa for any other leader there to stop him in the act of raping his country.
Vic Semprini, Olympia, WA, USA
Rhodesia had a good education system for children in the rural areas, but Mugabe's terrorists burnt down the schools and kidnapped the older pupils to use as child soldiers and comfort women. After the war they were cast aside with VDs, shamed by their families.
Edavies, Manila, Philippines
Mugabe has made his country an international shame, world leaders overturned the Smith regime and installed this man as head of a viable entity,He however has been the worst sort of leader even in Africa which has had such a lot of despots over the years after colonialism,
Mick Allen, Perth, Australia
The comments that blame UK and US for their supposed lack of response on Zimbabwe are off target. The fact is that Mugabe has consistently used the West's criticism of his regime as propaganda to prop up his dictatorship. Southern African leaders are most culpable for their lack of response on Zim
Henry, Johannesburg, South Africa
This is totally disgraceful. Why do these people have to wait for their proposals to take so long, why so long to get on the agenda of the UN security council. I feel devestated at the thought of such a person running a country. I lived as a child in Zimbabwe and South Africa, its horrifying.....
Allison Crawford, Calgary, Canada
Regards Africa, this is what happens when you have all this multitude of tin-pot sovereign states. Africa needs to have a federalized system so they pool power and economic resources and also, stop mini dictators like Mugabe. Shane on the South African president for not condemning Mugabe.
John Towey, Petersham, New Zealand
To think of this sort of thing is happening is something I do not wish to acknowledge as a reality. Pictures are not practical in this place because of economy and they do not seem to appreciate any coverage the news would give. How did they get this monster Mugabe as president? They voted him in.
Lisa, Mendo, Mendo
Americans, the self appointed keepers of democracy everywhere, where are you? Is democracy only important if its to do with O.I.L. Anything to with human life and democracy with out any returns to USA is not worth a democracy. Guys up in Washington are talking about Iran - get out to Zimbabwe.
Tejinder, Auburn,
How many times does history have to repeat itself? Mugabe=Tito=Hitler=Amin=many others. Where is the world?
Laura, Atlanta, Ga
Hmm, let's see about Zimbabwe. Got oil? No. Money? No. Natural resources? Not good enough. Sorry, not interested even if they all get killed - that's what the rest of the world will say. Pathetic, but true today.
Matthew, Leeds, UK
who cares? the west never have. All they concerned about is oil and control. What has a war torn Zimbabwe have to offer the US or UK? nothing. What happened to the war on terror? or is it just men in beards we fear?
J A, Nelson, UK
The world has stood back and whatched for too long. Granting independence to Mugabe was a mistake. Mugabe has brainwashed the generations of people of Zimbabwe over his time in goverment, now thier only chance to save themselves has ended in violence and an increasing dangerous dictatorship.
James, Oxford, UK
I just do not get it! What is wrong with Thabo Mbeki? Everybody else sees crisis in Zimbabwe except him. Is he blind or is he just as cruel as Mugabe? The ANC is divided over Zim because of him! I think it's time for him to go. If he is condoning what Mugabe is doing then he is not fit to rule.UK
Abby Mriga, London, United kingdom, UK
Wasn't so long ago the Australian government were doing this to the children of innocent indigenous folk - can't see there is much difference here.
Stevie, Wellington, New Zealand
Thabo Mbeki should end his Presidency of South Africa on a high note by standing up to Mugabe and taking him out of office, by force if need be ! Where is Mandela in all of this ? He would surely be able to persuade the South African Presidency to act !!
James, Dundee, Scotland
Pictures or it didn't happen.
This to too cliche to believe, and if it's real, it's disguisting,
I dont support UN world policing, but maybe they should this time.
Alex, Notts,
someone should stop being afraid and go sort this out, on Zimbabwe's behalf - because she can't do it herself
stuart mathews, london,
Kinda' like Texas!
Tom, Phoenix, USA
This has to stop now - the UN and its allies should now intervene and stop this....before its too late...
Malcolm, Ireland, Ireland
The time for a UN envoy with a "tough message" has come and gone. Sounds to me like a squad of UN Special Forces crack marksmen should head down there and remove the psychotic, vote-rigging dictator -- by force, if necessary.
Mark, New York,
This isn't that much different than what America did to the FDLS children! One might even say he was inspired! FDLS is a minority religion, the state of Texas came in on false allegations of one minor being mistreated and stole ALL of the children.
Dody, Violet Hill, USA
hmmm a country with no oil, I doubt the US will do anything to help.
Brian, providence,
sometimes force needs to be met by force !!!
tansi, lilburn, usa