Robert Mugabe gave warning yesterday that he would not cede power if he loses
next week’s election to the Opposition in his most explicit statement yet of
his refusal to respect the result.
State-controlled media reported his comments to supporters at an election
rally, the latest in a series of increasingly menacing threats as Zimbabwe
counts down to the June 27 presidential run-off poll. Mr Mugabe’s
military-backed regime has been carrying out a campaign of violence aimed at
wiping out the opposition vote.
“We fought for this country, and a lot of blood was shed,” Mr Mugabe told his
supporters. “We are not going to give up our country because of a mere X.
How can a ballpoint fight with a gun?”
The warning came a day after he declared: “We are ready to go to war.”
Evidence, say observers, of mounting concerns that he may not have done
enough to secure the vote.
Mr Mugabe’s threat coincided with a sudden worsening in violence in the
townships around Harare, as mobs of hundreds of Zanu (PF) youths marched
through the streets at night, chanting war songs, dragging people out of
their homes and beating them up with sticks, iron rods and axes. Until then
the terror campaign had been confined largely to rural areas where security
forces and militia groups have conspired to create “no-go zones”, banning
aid organisations and all outsiders to prevent them witnessing the
intimidation.
The level of violence has increased dramatically in the past two weeks, moving
from beatings and torture to mutilation and killing, with several victims
burnt alive and others shot.
The run-off vote was triggered after Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition
Movement for Democratic Change candidate, beat Mr Mugabe in March’s
presidential elections but, according to the widely discredited official
results, fell short of the 50 per cent needed for outright victory.
In a surreal twist Mr Mugabe moved yesterday to arrest opposition leaders for
provoking the violence being carried out by his own forces. Only a handful
of incidents have involved opposition supporters attacking those from Zanu
(PF).
“We are warning them that we will not hesitate to arrest them and we will do
that in broad daylight,” Mr Mugabe told supporters at a campaign rally in
Kadoma, south of Harare.
The regime has already targeted opposition leaders for arrest, detaining Mr
Tsvangirai to prevent him from campaigning and locking up his deputy, Tendai
Biti, on the capital charge of treason. Mr Biti was due to appear in court
on the treason charge yesterday but instead police brought new charges
against him for “causing disaffection in the security forces,” and for
insulting Mr Mugabe by stating that “he is an evil man who should be
arrested and handed over to The Hague”.
Mr Biti’s arrest prompted some frustrated African countries, including
Botswana, to break ranks with South Africa and call for the regime to back
off or risk tainting the upcoming vote.
Gordon Brown gave warning that international election monitors must be allowed
to monitor the poll or risk having Mr Mugabe’s “criminal regime” steal the
people’s vote.
“In recent weeks under Robert Mugabe’s increasingly desperate and criminal
regime Zimbabwe has seen 53 killings, 2,000 beatings, the displacement of
30,000 people and the arrests of opposition leaders,” Mr Brown told
reporters after a meeting with President Bush.
“This is wholly unacceptable. Mugabe must not be allowed to steal the
election, which is now less than two weeks away.
“We call for Zimbabwe to accept a United Nations human rights envoy to visit
Zimbabwe now and to accept international monitors from all parts of the
world who are available to ensure that this is a free and fair election,” Mr
Brown said. Mr Bush pledged his support, telling Mr Brown: “You obviously
are emotional on the subject and I don’t blame you, because the people of
Zimbabwe have suffered under Mugabe’s leadership. We will work with you to
ensure these good folks have free and fair elections to the best extent
possible, which obviously Mr Mugabe does not want to have.”
Zimbabwe has barred monitors from Western countries, allowing in only those
from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
Neither of those organisations has ever given Zimbabwe a negative verdict on
its elections, despite widespread fraud since 2002.
A senior UN envoy, Haile Menkerios, arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for a
five-day visit to assess the political and humanitarian crisis, a concession
forced on Mr Mugabe by the UN. Some have speculated that the Government
might call off the election at the last minute if it is not confident of
winning but that victory by any means remains their goal.
“Mugabe is worried,” said Eldred Masunungure, a political commentator. “He has
never been this aggressive before. The threat is real and credible. My
assessment is that it is 50-50. Mugabe is not confident of victory but
Tsvangirai is also worried that support is shifting and he may not be able
to cross the threshold. It is unpredictable.”
President's fighting talk
— “Our votes must go together with our guns. After all, any votes we shall
have, shall have been the product of the gun. The gun which produces the
vote should remain its security officer - its guarantor” (1976)
— “Our party must continue to strike fear in the heart of the white man, our
real enemy!” (December 2000)
— “We are no longer going to ask for the land but we are going to take it
without negotiating” (2000)
— “We have degrees in violence” (2000)
— “When they criticise the Government ... we take the position that they can
go hang” (2007)
— “Let the people's voice thunder across the whole country on 29 March,
rejecting and damning once and for all the bootlicking British stooges, the
traitors and sellouts, the political witches and political prostitutes,
political charlatans and the two-headed political creatures” (2008)
Sources: Times archives
Why is Robert Mugabe allowed to do this? I think military action should be taken by the UN. The Mugabe regime would be powerless to stop an invasion by UN Forces. Remove him from power, arrest him and put him on trial in front of the world to humiliate him.
Ben Wood, glasgow,
Mary, Zimbabwe,
My earlier posts were not pasted. Let me rephrase.
From d bottom of your heart, tell me how u you feel
(1) d land belong to u or (2)ou belong to d land. If it is (1), then u r not a Zim.& u need to either fight or leave. If (2) u r a Zim & u need to support the Zim.majority
2406
Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia
It is interesting that so much of the outpouring of commentary either digs up the past of colonialism or of Mugabe's early rapacious grabs. The issue and the problem is HERE and NOW! Deal with the current events! Zims of all stripes are being deprived of basic human liberties, are being starved.
Peter, New York, USA
Tell me Lim Malaysia I was born in Zim as was my mother and Father it is my home in every sense of the word but my skin is white - Am I Zimbabwean?
Is England only for English and Australia and America and Malaysia - are we all to wall up our borders and send our friends packing? Can you imagine!
Mary, Zimbabwe,
Anyone who was in Matabeland in 1982 knows what Mugabe is. But then, we know what all white men did in Rhodesia, in Namibia, Angola, South Africa... Who is the saint here? Who is the victim? Let the name-calling stop and we sit down and talk to the man who brought the ballot to Zim: Robert Mugabe.
Lethukuthula, Victoria falls, Zimbabwe
There's the evidence that Mugabe was always a dictator, and never won a fair election in his life. And despite that, white Western liberals and the media have until just recently, held Mugabe up as a shining example of a democratic African success story. Hypocrits. Or, that's good enough for Africa.
Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia
Warwick...well for starters Britain turned a blind eye to massive intimidation by Mugabe in the 1980 elections just to wash their hands of the Rhodesian problem. And when someone like Mugabe turns against his own people it is fair to interfere to ensure that they CAN determine their own destiny.
David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia
"Why cant we leave Zims alone? Let them rule themselves without interference from US!"
We _gave_ you Robert Mugabe and as you see, a Jesuit education always pays off.
Lionel Rebe, Ramsgate, UK
Why does MUGABE elicit such reactions from US? Is he some kind of GOD seeing as every little thing that goes wrong is blamed on HIM? Why must he GO? Where must he GO? Why cant we leave Zimbabweans alone to chart their own destiny? Let them rule themselves how they want without interference from US!
Warwick, London, UK
would be great to se Sam Sara leave the comfort of new york and spend some time in Zim where anything that can help you survive is declared illegal, where a whole generation have been criminalised so that the boundaries of morality no longer exist and most will rob or kill for fuel or bread.
George, Dubai,
This is NOT about race, the regime are wrapping their crimes and corruption in cotton wool by justifying that it's about Britain, Rhodesia and white people (and a few like sam sara buy into their texbook rhetoric). In fact its about a regime that will do anything to prevent their own prosecution.
Simon, London,
Pete, Johannesburg. you're right, but bear in mind that many more blacks have been killed and wounded than white farmers. This is not about race, though Mugabe would like everyone to think so. Mugabe oppresses / kills / tortures ANYONE who is against him, black or white.
David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia
Zimbabwe needs a 21st century gvt. My parents were non-white living in Rhodesia and yes the way they were treated makes me extremely angry but we are living for the future not the past. We all want our kids to have a better start than we did and living with vengence and spite = the current situation
Simon, London,
I have just been told by a reliable source in Zimbabwe that even if Mugabe loses the election, in spite of rigging, there will be noone in the Electoral Commission with the courage to announce the result. They fear for their lives. He/she would be killed.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Mugabe brags that "a lot of blood was shed" in the fight for Zimabwe. But the person doing most of the killing was one Robert Mugabe, especially his own countrymen in Matabeland, where tens of thousands perished. Their crime? Not voting for him. He's no hero, but a delusional killer - always was.
Tony Judson, Twickenham, UK
The pen is mightier than the sword. Mugabe's "Words of mass destruction" deserve military intervention - a period of interevention and a new people's election free of intimidation from anyone.
G Fisher, Sydney, Australia
Mugabe is a relic of the past. Problem is that he has been lingering on way past his deadline.
Musa Khan, Sydney, Australia
I agree with Kiffa from Canterbury. It's just as bad as apartheid, but there are no sanctions or interventions this time? The way Mugabe treats the white farmers is disgraceful and suicidal to Zim's economy. How come Thabo Mbeki hasn't done ANYTHING? Because of his close relationship with Mugabe?
Pete, Johannesburg, South Africa
If Mugabe will not give up power if he loses, why have elections in the first place?
The British & US govts should make a statement of intent now:
1) Send peacekeeping troops to Zimbabwe to help establish democracy
2) Offer military training to a new army.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
I am looking at one of the comments made here and Its Ironic how someone living in the USA would say "Mugabe is right". If you think he is so right why not come to Zimbabwe, you will of course no doubt change your mind after touching down. Its not about race, its about mental incapacity to lead.
Peter Mason, Harare, Zimbabwe
Isn't it amazing? People who vilify the west always live in it and urge their crazy comrades on from the comfort and safety of sofas in New York and London etc. If you think mugabe and his mob of thugs are so right and so good I doubt anyone is begging you to stay where you are.
Susan, Texas, USA
Come on you bunch of British toothless wonders. You created this problem in 1980, tight upper lip etc, now you just sit back and watch the people die.....shame on you!!. get in there and do something about it!.
Pointer, Johannesburg, South Africa
Sam Sara, Manhattan, New York, USA:
How can you regard someone who kills his own people a hero?
People in Zimbabwe are experiencing real suffering. My mother has sent me pitiful descriptions of what people's lips look like when they have not eaten for 3 days. Children are fainting at school.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
As the UK is the cause of the problems within Zimbabwe going back to the days of Wilson, its hardly surprising they don't want to sort out the mess they left behind when they handed the country over to terrorists
Richard Chalmers, Wells, UK
The international community is talking and reporting but not acting - What does it take to authorize military intervention? Or are we waiting for another Rwanda Genocide?
Shyam Maraye, Flic en Flac, Mauritius
It's time for the international community to come strongly against a regime which do not understand democracy. Mugabe's time is up. He has lived to this day to see his nation torn into pieces with rising inflation, a world record by any standard, and he's the one who causes it at such a deadly cost.
Dr. Tan Eng Bee, Kajang, Malaysia.
I do not understand how people can actually believe that Zimbabwe's current problems are all a result of colonial rule. How many decades has it been since colonial rule ended? What happen once they forcibly removed the white farmers? Stop using colonial rule as a excuse and start solving problems!
Heath, Calgary, Canada
Just to set the record straight....Botswana is NOT supportive of Zim or Mugabe.However we dont have the military capability to fight him with our total population being 1.7M and half under 16. There are more Zimbabwean refugees in our cities than our own ppl. RSA is the only strong force in Africa.
Lesego, Francistown, Botswana
Sam Sara...if Mugabe is so right, go back to Zimbabwe then...what??? You cant? Cause life is bad? Cant get bread? Cant talk freely? Dude, stop being a hypocrite, sitting in NY. If he's so right, go join his silly campaign. The same west you're talking about is hosting you right now.
Lesego, Francistown, Botswana
Poor Bob he just has no idea!!! 28 years ago the 'gun' may have been mightier. But now the people of Zimbabwe have moved on and the 'pen shall be mightier than the sword' "Edward Bulwer-Lytton"
Let the people of Zimbabwe rise up and prove the 'pen is mightier than the sword'
Ben Curtis, East London , UK
Dear Mr. Sam Sara, Manhattan, New York, USA,
It is not pity that you sitting in the comfort of a USA building urge Mugabe to kill your contrymen. Africa does not need people like Mugabe, no more. Liberating a contry from colonisation does not give anyone the right to colonize his country.
Sayon CAMARA, Bratislava, Slovak republic
Mr Mugabe should now accept that he is a dictator. Did you know that he has now decreed that people are not allowed to own a satellite dish? As information is strictly controlled in Zimbabwe, he doesn't want people to find out from the outside world what is really happening.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Mugabe knows he can do what he wants because he knows western governments will never intervene. They may make noises to please their electrolates, but he trusts them not do anything of substance. They haven't let him down so far!
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
This is not Rhodesia. Mugabe doesn’t rule Rhodesia. This is Zimbabwe. Let the world compare the difference.
jj, Peterborough, UK
Sam Sara, from your brownstone in Manhattan, you've obviously never set foot on African soil, let alone Zimbabwe. Keep your ill-informed opinions to yourself in future. You obviously have NO clue what's going on in the real world.
Hellen, Johannesburg,
Even if he loses the election, he will not cede power or listen to the democratic voice of the people.
Who does he think he is - the EU or Gordon Brown!!!
Neil McMillan, Glos,
Perhaps Sam Sara, of Manhattan, should come and visit Zimbabwe and see what his Comrade is doing first hand rather than sit back and defend Mr. Mugabe's actions. He has single handedly destroyed Zimbabwe. Mugabe is a broken record who repeats the same rhetoric over and over. It's time to go.
James, Harare, Zimbabwe
It is interesting that Sam Sara is happy to support Mugabe, though will not live in the terror state that is Zimbabwe, but rather to live comfortable in New York!
Lisa H, London, UK
This looks like it will end in some form of military/armed confrontation and bloodshed, Mugabe won't go peacefully and he will use all/any means to retain his power and rule of Zimbabwe. Other African nations should play more convincing and bigger role in negotiations to avoid potential bloodshed.
David Dzidzikashvili, Cambridge, USA
It is perhaps time for Mr. Mugabe to be removed from power, even if that requires the necessary subterfuge of orchestrating executive action with plausible deniability in place, or more preferably, secreting Mugabe to another nation who will harbor this fiend for whatever remaining years he has.
Edward B Ryder , GREENLAWN, USA
Europeans had the chance to 'snatch' Mugabe, in the last few months when he went Italy for UN conference. EU / UN , as usual did nothing. Gov. ministers please shut up or put up on this issue as it is getting extremely tedious.
Dave, Leeds, UK
"— “Our party must continue to strike fear in the heart of the white man, our real enemy!” (December 2000)"
I'm sorry, is that not racist? I am an ex Zimbabwean and if i went around saying "— “Our party must continue to strike fear in the heart of the BLACK man, our real enemy!” I would die :(
Jono, London, UK
Kwame in lush green Northants - "Stand Fast Great Leader Mugabe".
6,000% inflation, mile long queues for bread, low life expectancy, high infant mortality, vast farmlands rotting to desert, freedom crushed, state sponsored violence, $500M in personal Swiss bank accounts...great as in disastrous.
Rob, Bracknell, England
shame on you Mbeki!!!! And is this not enough for countries to help the Zim people? Where are they? Oh yeah fighting for oil in the gulf. what a disgrace
Steve Wood, london, uk
It is such a shame that Zimbabwe was a leader in condeming the apartheid regime and fighting for SA to become a democracy. Its disgrace for every SINGLE south african that their country has done nothing(apart from kill Zim refugees) to show support for Zimbabwean democracy. SHAME ON YOU SOUTH AFRICA
Terry, London,
Kevin - what a good question? Mbeki does not care about what is happening in his own Country why should he care what happens on his borders. He is a spineless leader and lets see how quickly he relinquishes power. At this point even Jacob Zuma looks like a better leader for SA.
Tracey, Guildford, UK
As soon as Nelson Mandela dies and he cant speak out against the destruction of his 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa is going to go exactly the same way as Zimbabwe. White South Africans would be well advised to start leaving now before its their turn to be killed by the local racist murdering thugs.
J Roberts, Manchester, UK
As a South African, I am stunned by the attitude of my government, in particular Thabo Mbeki’s attitude toward the vampire regime to our north. Walking hand in hand with one of the greatest tyrants of the modern age is indeed not cool, contrary to what the South African president may think.
Emile de Ravin, Johannesburg, SA
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, your lack of compassion for Mugabe's political opponents who are being beaten, burned, murdered and raped speaks volumes. You should be ashamed of your views, but I suspect that would be too much to expect. You clearly know nothing of the situation or the horror in Zim.
Rod Baker, Cape Town, South Africa
L. Chupanibre--
Ah yes, curse us when we do step in, then criticize when we do not.
As an American in Europe, I am tired of this hypocrisy.
Where, my friend, have YOU stuck your oar in recently?
As Churchill said, "Any old fool can see what's wrong; it takes a wise man to see what's right."
Jim, Cambridge, UK
How can Mugabi be so wicked , i am appealing to the international Aid, UN , Britain and USA to come to the aid of the good peopleo of Zimbabwe.
Bodoh, Ghana
Bodoh, Trma, Ghana
The silence of South Africa is giving Mugabe the freedom to wage war on the people of Zimbabwe. Their silence has already helped Mugabe steal the last election and any chance of hope.
The whole world fought for RSA to have freedom from oppression by it's own state. Shame on you Mbeki.
Remember why Mandela was freed, London,
Is Mbeki the Messiah? A failure!! The Zimbabwe crisis has nothing to do with Mbeki, a failure in his own country. Mbeki has failed to redress the land tenure disparities in his own country where 89% of all productive land is still in the hands of white people who got it through colonialism.
Van Gool, Brussels, Belgium
Try the pen that signs your indictment to face the International Court of Justice at the Hague, Robert, that's if the prostate cancer doesn't get you first. Scared little man.
Paul Freeman, London, England
Why is the West (Europe and the US) so concerned with Zimbawee and Sudan when African and Muslim/Arab countries are not in the least bit concerned? They should behave more like the Chinese. Let them (Africans and Muslims) do what they want or like. If they want to kill each other, then let it be.
Baskaran, Paris,
This has very little to do with racial vendettas or blaming the white man for all their woes of the past. It's simply a tyrant desperate to cling on to power at all costs. He has brutalised and murdered his own people to stay in power. What's the difference between him and Stalin,Hitler,Sadam?
CraigN, Hartlepool, England
he has legalised racism and makes a mockery of a democratic system.
where is america and its "world police" attitude when they are needed to stick their oar in? - getting its priorities wrong obviously...
L Chupanibre, sidcup, UK
A hypothetical scenario that Robert Mugabe should possibly have explained to him. Involves - Stolen Election - Victory Rally - Cruise Missile. If not then, possibly at any other time. What stops this? Free open election monitored by UN Observers and counted by same.
Bill, Stavanger, Norway
united nation must apply sanctions on mugabe
not allow him to land in europe or any other un country his palace should be cut off from the world and a multi nation un force should be ready if he starts violence Un troops go in
UMA SHANKAR VAJPEYI, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Lim - Are you serious? I hardly think any kind of government system (African or not) that allows their own people to starve, flee or fear violence is a working model. Please, do not sit in Malaysia and mock Africa. We do have things that work better than Western democracy but Zimbabwe is NOT IT.
Sindi, Cape Town, South Africa
Being ex rhodesian, Africa must be left to sort out its problems, if we intervene then we will be rejected because of history, blood will still be let. We need to give them breathing space, isolate people like Mugabe and encourage them to change. One day they will answer to their own people!
james, southampton, england
Mugabe is using a WMD called starvation to win this election. When will our spineless Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary do something about this? Oh, I forgot, they are going to take away Mugabe's Knighthood.
William Sloss, Peterborough, UK
Mugabe is a post colonial, old cold war man. Age will eliminate him shortly. These aging Freedom Fighters still embrace idealism from their youth. Weapons and money once came from the defunct Soviet Union. They have few backers, just China, but Beijing now realise this is increasingly embarrasing.
Colin , Cambridge, United Kingdom
Haiti was treated just like Zimbabwe is being treated. When an African concern tries to assert itself the white world colluding with African traitors,scuppers it and demonise our Leaders. Patrice Lumumba, What did the West do about him? Stand Fast Great Leader Mugabe. Tendai Mwari
Kwame, Northants, United Kingdom
At least in the EU we should be pleased that the EU leaders have not oredered us to be killed until we vote correctly in the treaty referendum.
William D H Carey, Schoten, Belgium
Lim Malaysia
What is your real interest here? You are half a world away and nowhere near Africa. Are you a dedicated marxist or do you just enjoy supporting unpleasant regimes?
Never a word of support for your own Malaysian democracy. Why do you not support your own country instead of others?
Boris the Russian , Belgravia, London
where the hell is Mbeki during all of this? going on overseas trips to see his daughter in Paris?? He is a toothless-dog.
kevin, putney, london
Ian Smith said Mugabe would ruin Rhodesia -he was right. Dont expect South Africa to oppose him.The ANC hold exactly the same views as Mugabe. Yesterday their Youth League have threatened to take up arms and go kill if Zuma is tried for Racketeering and Fraud. Africa is not ready for civilisation.
Bill, Johannesburg, South Africa
With all their human frailties, indeed, many white men - among them Gordon Brown and George W. Bush - are willing to give a voice to those who have none - the suffering Zimbabweans. So, Mugabe is right to see the white man as the enemy. And, this time, the West must hold Mugabe to account.
David, Amsterdam, Netherlands
How can a pen fight a gun?!?! This guy is such a waste of space! How about we sign a few documents and get all aid to Zim removed... The entire nation would starve in a week, who will be there to use the guns then? I honestly can't believe that people can be this selfish!
Dexter, Exe,
joe, Edinburgh, Scotland
Africa has its own form of governments, some democractic, some less democractic and some not even democractic. Surely it is not only Western democracy that works. The best kind of freedom is the freedom to practice what one thinks is best for one's country.No meddling pls
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
the people of zimbabwe should be allowed to have their say in the elections, without fear of violence or retribution.
ignore mugabe's threats, the pen is mightier than the sword
good luck, it looks like they are going to need it.
terry, london, uk
It is time someone assasinated Mugabe.
Anthony Smales, Beverley, UK
Sam Sara, Manhattan, New York, USA
Mr. Mugabe surely will be very happy that he has people like you supporting him. I strongly believe Zimbabwe is FOR Zimbabweans only. Be strong, Zimbabwe must never be colonized again, directly or indirectly.
Peace be with you, brother.
170608
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Mugabe is the good guy, no one will move to stop him, not even Britain. Words, words, words that the only thing foreigners are able to give to Zimbabwe. On the contrary Mugabe is giving misery and baton, "i'm 84 and the military are so involved thay can only be on my side or be executed".
Chateau Petrus, Kingston, UK
Mugabe is right. The only trouble is those who have never experienced racial hypocrisy here in the West think people like him are dictatorially evil.
Keep fighting comrades. The war is not entirely over! No matter what the West may say!
Sam Sara, Manhattan, New York, USA
I know we have other places to worry about but how difficult would it be for the int'l community to authorize military intervention in Zimbabwe? And at that, why not do it?
Faisal, London,
On the face of it Zimbabweans are the friendliest and most internally tolerant of practically any of the African nations, and yet here they are sliding towards civil war. In most cases of civil war the causes for war are complex and many; in this case there is only one cause - Robert Mugabe.
Scott, Sydney, Australia
It really makes me angry that other African countries haven't said anything about all of this. South Africa especially.
Julia, Oxford,
what's all the fuss about?
When the whites were booted out, the locals went right back up the trees! I think they have the governments they deserve and no white, oppressive, rascism to worry about anymore, either.
Damon O'shea, Sydney, Australia
Mugabe is a hero indeed, Mr Kuvanhu. A hero who brings 6,000% inflation to Zim, who decimates its strong agriculture, who intimidates, tortures and kills his opponents (and even their children). Land reforms are a good idea but don't let his rhetoric blind you to his crimes against his own people
Alex M, London,
One only has to look at history to see the results of "Perfidious Albion" - "Treacherous Britain" - not the people but the Government.....an interesting video "If the world had another Hitler" on Youtube shows and tells a real story......"What have the world done this time?"
BillG, Fordingbridge Hants, UK
The African nations leaders should be ashamed, this is their problem to solve unless they wish to remove democracy from Africa. First Zimbabwe then where.
The rest of the World should be ashamed also as we have the power to invade, remove by force and restore democracy but will not do this.
joe, Edinburgh, Scotland
Peter Hitchins: Zim was handed over 13 years ago DESPITE UK knowing how odious he was. It is a bit rich for them to be wringing their hands now.
Whether liberals like it or not, white racism wasn't an irrational evil manifestation, but true knowledge of African fault lines in power. 50/50 blame.
Kiffa, Canterbury, UK
Yes, and Ian Smith once said that blacks would not rule Rhodesia in 1000 years! Africa, is this how you want the world to see you in the 21st century? The only thing that will sort Mugabe and his generals out is for Africa to make it clear to him that this conduct is unacceptable. Go do it!
David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia