What is happening in zimbabwe is a total inhumanities, iam even shocked to put it in a correct english form.the only thing we can do is to pray about these innocents civilians being killed by mugabi regime since efforts by the west and other african leaders failed due to high resistance from mugabi.

Deng Riak Khoryoam, Malakal, Upper Nile state, Sudan,south sudan

With a dictator like Mugabe the people of Zimbabwe haven't got a choice. The west has to own up to messing it all up in africa and take responsibility for exploiting it in the passed decades. The west (USA incl.) are able to stop it, it's just not in their interest, read: no money to be made

Milo, Tilburg, Netherlands

There is something "fishy"going on here. some "one" or country is actively supporting this Despot. I point my fingure at South Africe. It's suprising that Mr Mandella has not had anything to say.....
Why does it take so long for the United Nations to act ? Punish him for crimes against humanity.

Steve, Brooklyn, USA

Now look at another genocide building up! Is the world preparing for intervention only AFTER all is lost?

Can't the so called peace missionaries, super-powers etc excercise their authority over this infamous 'King Mugabe?'

Koech Charles Bellionson, Eldoret, Kenya

Where is Jimmy Carter???????????????/

DW, Atlanta, USA

The people of zim have enough to deal with, with aids, and ocassional drought. Zimbabwe is a key country to surrounding countries. It is the bread basket of the region, and with the food shortages around the world lets as a world community fix it.lets resolve this as a world community.

Godfrey, Miami, USA

there are no peace talks between guys who just sit and enjoy glasses of wine and fresh water when the poors ones even dream of tomorrows meals; no way. i just remember how Mugabe was received in Rome World Food Day, being driven in expensive cars with body guards; hm U think these whites mind?? Jo

Mark, Rome, Italy

We can send troops to Afghanistan to fight for democracy. We can send troops to Iraq to fight for democracy. Why have we not sent troops to Zimbabwe to fight for democracy? It is painfully clear that the current administration is only concerned with US interests, not promoting democracy.

Rodney, BROOKLYN , USA

As always we the third world read and believe what the west want us to know . We are hearing the one side of the coin can it not be it is the whites with BAD big investments like LONRHO previously finanacing these killings to tarnish African leaders who do not want to play by their rules.

Ahmed, london, U.K

who the hell is Mugabe thinking he is. he should be captured like saddam hussein. come on world powers help.

kasagga robert, kampala, uganda

When you hear such in these days, you wonder..........Where are other leaders when Zim is treeated like a Farm, where are you African Leaders? Why are you not doing anything about this? Why are you so silent? Why?

Sibusiso Debabes, Mbabane, Swaziland

surely now history shows that as the Union of Nations in the past was a backing Dog that it never minded the killings of the world war1 and 2 now we have the united nations whose only interests is not peace in the fast palce but "what can i get from where and how?" Joe Italy

Joseph, Rome, Italy

Hm! do you think its happening only in Zimbabwe???? this is almost our daily bread in Uganda only that our bloodthirsty leaders tend to corrupt their way thru that the so called world leaders in the end close their eyes. were used to it so please dont pretend you are so touched if you cant help us.

Mark, Mukono, Uganda

I believe all prayers done in faith are answered & each prayer that has been said by a faithful child of God is already answered.
Zims situation is a touching one which makes a person with sence of humour weap.I trust that God will intervene & all wil be history.We serve a God of possibilities.

monica mbuzi, lusaka, zambia

It is unfortunate that the International Community continues to offer lip service when Zimbabweans are getting miserable by each passing day. The truth is that Mugabe does not enjoy anybodies goodwill and world super powers must moved to stop this tyrany. M ugabe must be ejected from the president

Sam Otieno, Nairobi, Kenya

its so sad to read & hear about such stories, it seems like a movie but its really, serious attention is needed in zim. we are now counting hours before the run off!

bob, Orapa, botswana

My prayers are with allthe Zims. and my hope is God answers their prayer for rescue. I am really feeling it for them because we have relatives who have settled in Zimbabwe and seeing what a beautiful country has turned to now really hurts. There is a saying you reap what you sow one day mugabe wil

Natasha, Ndola, Zambia

Mr Mugabe is not fit to be human being.At his age he still behaves as mad man.How can he be accusing the opposition leader and throughout only opposition militants are being killed.
Only God alone knows how to pay Mugabe.He is truly a dictator.May God forgive him

wan mar, BAMENDA, cameroon

I thought people in Africa believed in elections and not military rule. Guess there shouldn't have been an election at all. Killing voters? Who thought of this?

John, Michigan, USA

It's sad that our oil crisis is more important than bringing peace into this neglected continent. It's like the streets of America. America has looked a over the world to heal the ill of every nation but it's own. I'd still would rather be here than anywhere in the world.

Jacqueline, Killeen, Texas, USA

i cannot believe the world is allowing this to happen

trinity, cape town, South africa

My prayers are with the Zimbabwian people & my hope is that soon Mr. Mugabe will be dragged from the presidental palace & replaced with a compassionate leader who will begin the task of recovery from the despotic rape and pillage of Mugabe's reign of terror....

Ian, Oakland, CA., USA

Whenever I hear stories about Zimbabwe, I think of Bob Marley singing so proudly about the country. He must be spinning in his grave.

David Hourcade, Little Ferry, USA

I can only hope that Mugabe does not die before they put him on trial for his crimes against humanity.

John, London,

The tyrant said only God can get him out of power,but l say l know someone somewhere thinks of taking this old man out.Good man like President Kennedy were assassinated yet the ones that really deserve it are ruining peoples lives.Somebody do something,soon before omes extinct!!!!!!!

Elizabeth, riverside california, usa

Again Afirca is playing with another genocide and Hitler reincanate. i am very dissapointed at the lookworm attitude of African leaders and especially dissapointed in my country's president (Pres Yaradua) for not taking any concrete step on this issues so far.

Funmi , Lagos, Nigeria

Claire, of Mopu Mauritius, you speak silly words. As a black SA landowner borne of Zim and proud to support Mgabi, I spit the ground at his feet for his rape and pillage of my once beautiful land and people. I spit at the ground of SA leaders who encourage Zim despair. The enemy is black & it is us

Fundi, Capetown, SA

What is Black Africa doing? The South African leaders have done nothing where is the African Union? Black Africa needs to take care of its self. South Africa and Bostwanna the two countries with the strongest economies in Africa and that boarder Zimbbabwe need to bring in their military period!

Denmark, Seattle, usa

Tyrant Mugabe you vail your shame and greed behind your little finger any fool can see.To say any opinion other than your view is Western puppecy is insult to intelligence.In any case who are you to stop the Majority to be ruled by the so called 'West' if that is their wish. Anyone please help me.

Stof, Mombasa, KENYA

Who is keeping these African despots in power?- Yes, the leaders are totally corrupt. - But WHO ARE THOSE THAT DO THE CORRUPTING? Is it cheaper for the West to bribe one leader for the riches borne in the soils of Africa, or for them to have to bid, pay taxes and compete? It suits the West this way!

Claire, Mapou, Mauritius

Another African election fraud.It was Ethiopia first then Kenya and now Zimbabwe.What is happening with our leaders.I know the West and its Allies are too busy in Iraq and Afghanistan that they will not even have a second to think about the situation until it is a full blown out civil war.

surafel, Dallas, USA

the first time they came they left my elder brother crippled.they coldnt get my father for fear of his guns.they brought the military.destroyed his home,left him for dead.a week later they came in the middle of the night take my little brother.he was found half dead by the roadside.stop mugabe pliz.

max, muzarabani, zimbabwe

WW III baby. US gets out of Iraq like all want and goes isolation. Iran takes over Iraq. Arabs destroy Israel, Israel destroys much of the Middle East. Columbia gets swallowed up. N. Korea invades S. Korea, China gets richer but no military involved. Serbia collapses and armies run amok.

Robert, Port Orchard, USA

Thabo Mbeki and other African leaders are a total disgrace to the whole of Africa. Especially Thabo Mbeki, who went to Zim after the first round of elections and said there is no problem in Zim. The reason is because these other African leaders are no different from Mugabe. Shame on them!

Goke, Lagos, Nigeria

Africa, no strong evil axis down there but more support Mugabe and his armies invade others down there. So axis = Zimbabee/N. Korea/Equador/Serbia/Russia perhaps?/Venezuela/Iran. Allies = those invaded. Hate on the US, get us to go isolation and see just how much worse things can be. Please do.

Robert, Port Orchard, USA

I see Rwanda in the making and because Zimb is not in the heart of some western countries' interest, they don't care...., Mugabe will continue to torture and kill at will. We as African citizens should not wait for our leaders to say something, we as common people should stand up for the common Zim

Solomon Kiplagat, Eldama Ravine, Kenya

There is no way that other African leaders can make any impact. Look at their own records! I wonder why the silence from the UN and the West. Maybe until the poor people of Zimbabwe have become totally decimated by war, then the usual 'food aid' would start to roll in. Sad, very sad.

Ayodele Abraham, Texas, US

Just the same old Africa: joke leaders who keep the masses as slaves and beat who ever speaks against them, while the other joke leaders- South Africa, Sudan, Mozambique- hold their coats for them. Africa has no future because it has no leaders.
What a waste.

Cory, Saint Paul, MN, USA

For God's sake, can't someone just take down this lunatic, Mugabe, and save the innocent people of Zimbabwe? Is the West uninterested because Zimbabwe has no oil, or is the rest of the world happy to see the situation develop into another major conflict? Shame on you two, Mugabe, and Thabo Mbeki!

Jim, Taoyeun, Taiwan

My Heart bled for Africa.Mugabe is playing God and murdering his people and the so called African leaders are doing nothing. Mbeki is a party to this madness by his lack luster attitude towards finding a solution to this problem.
Prime Minister Brown will be vindicated for his principled stand.

Wellington Okereh, Aberdeen, Scotland

You World leaders why are you so quit on what is happening in Zimbabwe. What is the position of UN and AU in this situation in Zimbabwe. Does Mugabe over UN laws and regulations. Please take aan action against Mugabe now to make sure that the wish for the people of Zimbabwe is respected.

ESTER , KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA

I wonder why Mugabe believes he is the ultimate man. At his age, what value has he added to the lives of millions of Zimbabwean people and yet to be born generation. I hope he lives forever as an immortal ruler since he believes that being a President is his birth right.

Atas, Lagos, Nigeria

You silly finger pointers....you want to blame the US/UK....you should blame the UN....all of you West bashers are getting a taste of reality....the world run by a UN full of fools and tyrants.....Why should the US/UK go and clean up the mess the UN cannot clean up...The US/UK will be vilified..

Larry Wallace, Monticello, FL, USA

I am shocked that the world leaders can sit and watch people been killed in cold blood. Leaders are heartless. I think UN should be closed down. It is of no use! As for the other African leaders, they are a disgrace to this generation.I think it is far better to live without leaders. Shame!

Raymond, Oslo, Norway

If the so called mugabe knew he was not going to respect the wish of the people and democracy,why did he dare organized an election ? he would have just continue as a dictator,period !
It is a shame,not only for mugabe,but for entire African head of states,whom are only Rulers but lack leadership .

fred, llagos, nigeria

The West doesn't care about the conflict in Africa. Look at what happened in Rwanda? Bill Clinton was president at the time. What did he do? Well why do you think they will do anything this time?

Trevor, Illinois, US

It's not the color but the human heart we becry. People with evil hearts manifest in pink, brown and black skins. Consequently Europeans kill just as efficiently as Asians and Africans. Zimbabweans, don't let the tragedy visited upon you form your identity. You are more, much more than this reality.

PJ Hama, Dallas,

I am very shock that this brutal so call Mugabi is now ruling one of Africa's states with an iron hand while the world sit back and look. How far will the killing continue before one world leader respond. Is Muagbi's crime lesser than Charles Taylor of Liberia who now faces a war crime? shame, UN.

Washington , Chicago, LIBERIA/ USA

Look Mugabi has no further experience within the economic sector. This is to say he can not affore any job beside his so call presidency post. So, if he leaves he will just be as poor as other Africans that have no education to forther their potential.

Washington , Chicago, LIBERIA/ USA

Zimbabwe may not have oil, but it does have minerals, and Mugabe's massacre is being abetted by China, which is stripmining much of Africa for its wealth. Zimbabwe will be the next Rwanda, and unfortunately and an overstretched America cannot do much to help without handing Iraq over to Ahmadinejad.

Andrew, Los Angeles, USA

The people of Zimbabwe will not be silenced. They will have democracy and these blood-thirsty tyrants will face justice.

EFM, San Antonio, United States

Dictators - we must now say Mugabe is one - have always committed atrocities in their countries. The rest of the world stands by and rings their hands saying, "Please play by our rules, Mr Dictator." They never do. And so we have thousands or millions more suffering because of one man's arrogance.

Charley Moore, Maryland, USA

The world will not let mugabe continue to kill Innocent peolpe
he should be stopped....

artwell moyo, tn, usa

Why are human beings created coloured? The West deemed themselves superior white and the others inferior black, mixed, and coloured. Imagine a world without all these colours. There will not be so much trouble.
Dear Zims hang on to your colour. It is not inferior, It is beautiful.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

How dare Mugabe and Zanu PF attack and kill those who defy them! Only the US and UK are allowed to do that sort of thing! By the way, for all the people calling for Mugabe's hanging for killing his political opponents, do you support the same fate for the politicians of the US, UK and EU for Iraq?

Frank Grimes, Mclean, USA

Wow... look at all these comments saying that the West should invade due to what he has done to his own people, but lets look at your comments about Iraq. Look what Saddam did to his own people and how everyone says that the US and coalition should not have invaded. When will the fighting end.

Robert, Port Orchard, USA

Mugabe is "a devil and his cronies" who are hell scared to be prosecuted after they lose power for their crimes against humanity. They are devils who are tormenting ordinary Zimbabweans and neighbouring countries.

The Western countries must comeout so strong with SADC to remove Mugabe from power

Andrew Litia, Lusaka, Zambia

Mugabe is a "Thug" pure and simple! I find it outrageous that no country in Africa or no one in the U.N. will do anything to help the poor people of Zimbabwe. If I was an arms dealer I would arm the MDC for free to stop this madness and put Mugabe and his followers where they belong 6 feet under.

Jlam, Fairfield, USA

Memo to Mbeki: Quit soft-pedaling and stand up to this tyrant! Haven't you seen enough people beaten and burned to death in your own country recently? African leaders are so scared to abandon their anti-colonial hero, they are totally blind to what he's doing now.

Eric, Takoma Park, Maryland, USA

It is not about oil, it is about ungrateful people.....Africa needs to solve it's own problems

Raymond Starr, Bear, usa

The West isn't doing anything because there is no profit involved. Pretty sad huh? The U.N. needs to send soldiers in there and topple the Zimbabwea government. It is the only way these people are every going to have peace.

Chris, Colchester,

Charan Muzaya.
You mentioned 'His aim is to die in office.' If perhaps Mugabe died fighting in battle. Would that also satisfy his ambition to escape prosecution? Either way the prospect is chilling

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

whatever happens the elections must go ahead. The US and UK must put more pressure on SA. If SA doesn't do something, and it is in a position to, then the EU, NATO, or some other multi-force MUST invade the country. This kind of massacre would not be tolerated in any other part of the world

Julian, Bruxelles, Belgique

How on earth can Morgan Tsvangirai and the MDC agree to a government of 'National Unity' with this monster? He and his ugly band should be informed that they will be tried at The Hague for crimes against humanity.

John Troughear, Oxford,

I can't believe that this man and his cohorts can get away with what he is doing. What has happened to the United Nations, surely they must go int Zimbabwe and sort something out

Tom, Cardiff, Wales/UK

Sorry... let me get this straight...

You wonder why the West isn't stepping in to help?

It's simple. There is no oil under ZImbabwe. Therefore it is not in our financial interests to do so. Isn't it funny (read: disgusting) how we can pick and choose our fights?

I wish the MCD all the best

Kevin, Swindon, UK

How can the world sit back and watch and do absolutelty nothing about the situation in Zimbabwe? As Jason from New York mentioned, it is Terrorism in its purest form. All the top leaders of the world are rambling on about fighting terrorism but do absolutely nothing to stop this monsterous dictator!

Neil Crompton, London, UK

This is bad in ways I can't even begin to mention. I shudder to think what will happen if the MDC comes out on top next week in the election, but I think we can all agree that it will not be pretty.

Mart, Failsworth, England

Cliff, Nottingham , UK:
Unfortunately, if something is not done to make Mugabe step down, he will get away with it. His aim is to die in office, so he is immune from prosecution. He would rather start a war than step down. [My cousin, a school teacher, was abducted yesterday by Mugabe thugs].

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

Callow Mugabe hides behind thugs and is sanctioned by the inaction of the other African nations, especially the weak MBeki.
It does not strike me as ironic that Mugabe wears the same little mustache Hitler used to wear and emplys the same brutalities and propoganda lines. Where are the world police?

Paul, Adelaide, Australia

Why is everybody still looking the other way when things like this happen? Should there not be an international embargo be set up? In Afghanistan and Irak everbody was reacting quickly, due to the Oil involved. Here were people are slattered, nobody cares. The other African countries should step in

E. Bruckschen, Cambridge, UK

Hopefully should Obama the U.S. elections he will send troops.

Kharee, Las Vegas, America

Ethan: Your remarks about the very divergent career paths and governmental style of Mssrs. Mugabe and Brown should strike any Times reader as callous and abhorrent. To compare an egomaniacal killer such as Mugabe to Brown, however despised he might be in your country, is absurd.

Paul, Kyiv, Ukraine

One day Mugabe will have to answer for the mayhem he is now inflicting. To claim that the MDC are beating their own members to death is beyond belief. He and his thugs must seriously fear the retribution of the masses, should his grasp slip.

Cliff, Nottingham , UK

Mugabe is killing his own people. His actions are worthy of the the worst dictators and strongmen. It is shameful that Thabo Mbeki sucks up to Mugabe despite the overwhelming evidence of atrocities perpetrated on the Zimbabwean people.

Jan, windhoek, namibia

This is horrible: reactionaries who conspire to commit murder against women and children, no matter what their political agenda is...this is terrorism defined, and in the name of "politics” STOP and VISUALIZE the 4-year-old witnessing his mother’s planned brutal murder…folks need to really rethink their lives…

Jason, New York, USE

I also feel sorry for Mugabe. Just for the sake of clinging on to power, he is causing so much suffering: killing children's mothers and fathers, causing young children and old people to starve, telling obvious lies, shattering people's dreams and lives, etc. Poor man - what a burden on his soul!

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

Please, lets keep perspective here. Comparing Brown to Mugabe is trivialising an issue that I feel will potentially define African politics for a long time. The nature of the violence being perpetrated is truly terrible, and any politician should do nothing but condemn. Please do not distract.

ross taylor, london, uk

Lets be fair here. Mugabe only has slightly..slightly less credibility than Gordon Brown. That is to say virtually none at all.....


At least Mugabe won an election to become leader. Brown had it passed down to him.

Ethan, nr dole farm, uk

Lim you maybe confused but the fact remains Mugabe has destroyed what was an economically strong African Country. And whilst the West may have its faults at least no Western Country has been stupid enough to sell arms to Zimbabwe, unlike China.

martin, nr reading, uk

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia:

Local Zimbabweans are not confused and know well who is behind the violence. MDC activists are not allowed free movement. How could they organise attacks? I have a relative within the CIO (Intelligence Services) and he tells us what they are up to and places to avoid.

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

Lim...you certainly are confused. 70 MDC people have been killed...few or no Zanu PF as far as I know...what does that tell you? The hospitals are full of beaten MDC supporters. What does that tell you? Dear Lim, wake up. As long as Mugabe is in power there is no chance of peace or dignity.

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

Isn't it about time the UN did something about this yet again the incopitence of this organisation is shown!

Dean, Southampton, England

It is a blame game alright. The MDC blames the Zanu PF and Mr.Mugabe blames the MDC for staging the violence to discredit him and his party. The West is crying murder and calling for intervention. Very confusing.
Dear Zims.there are two roads. Choose the correct one to peace harmony & dignity.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia