Opposition leader to return for run-off
Is there any chance leaders from some of those countries with influence there to make Mugabe feel responsible for ensuring his opponents safety since he's so confident he will win on his own merits?
It would seem only representative of a truly great leader that he be able to win through election and not the representative cowardice of intimidation buuut since we have to realize that he really can't control what some of his younger more (shall we say enthusiastic) supporters do, that he would never-the-less be able to ensure the safety of his counter-part in the election.
Does this seem like an unreasonable request to anyone?
And if not how do you make it stick, or in other words if he can't provide that protection what are the consequences, if any?
500m Zimbabwe dollar and Chinese Flying Dutchman
Zimbabwe bank issues $500m note
Quote:
The central bank has issued a 500m Zimbabwe dollar banknote, worth US$2, to try to ease cash shortages amid the world's highest rate of inflation.
The previous highest denomination note was for Z$250m, issued 10 days ago. At independence in 1980, one Zimbabwe dollar was worth more than US$1.
Let hope not blind us to Mugabe’s ruthlessness
Quote:
As it turns out, it’s hard to mediate between good and evil. Zimbabwe’s high court left Mugabe in control of the votes (expected), but freed MDC activists from detention (minimally laudable). Despite scornful rhetoric from the west and Zimbabwean civil society, Mugabe will survive yet again, absent bold action.
Last month, we were treated to the saga of the Chinese Flying Dutchman, bearing arms for Mugabe but barred entry by South African dock workers, and even the Angolan government. It turns out the arms got through Angola anyway, while the media focused on supposed African unanimity in keeping Zimbabwe arms-free.
A fine idea — an arms embargo against Zimbabwe. A nice symbolic move, with little practical effect. Yet symbolism that conceals that foolish hopes, uninformed by common sense, can be worse than no hope at all.
Too many commentators let their happy hopes obscure reality, suggesting that Mugabe was on the — democratic! — way out. Alas, the “soft power” of moral suasion, diplomatic pressure, and pointed outspokenness is essential but inadequate for countries struggling to throw off tyranny. Even soft power demands a moral backbone, and sometimes a boldly waved stick. Good wishes for Zimbabwe are everywhere, but even the words are timid.
Chinese weapons reach Zimbabwe
Still catching up on missed news and several reports on the Chinese arms shipment being unloaded. This is quite detailed, note South African Navy refuelled the ship and a UK-reg'd, Zimbabwe-based air transport operator moved the weaposn to Harare.
Read on: http://www.sundayherald.com/internat...ach_mugabe.php
davidbfpo
SAfrican Generals discover Mugabe is violent
Subject: Zimbabwe violence "shocks" SA generals - Business Day, 14 May
RETIRED South African army generals investigating post-election violence in Zimbabwe have uncovered "shocking levels" of state-sponsored terror, sources close to them say. The continued violence makes any chance of a peaceful runoff election "almost impossible", they say.
When President Thabo Mbeki visited Harare last week, the team's leader, Lt-Gen Gilbert Lebeko Romano, briefed him on their findings. The violence intensified after it was confirmed that President Robert Mugabe and his ruling Zanu (PF) had lost to the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and its leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the March 29 poll.
Senior members of the investigating team said their findings were "alarming" and that most of the violence was state sponsored, although the opposition had also retaliated. "What we have heard and seen is shocking. We have heard horrific stories of extreme brutality and seen the victims," said one of the generals.
"We have seen people with scars, cuts, gashes, bruises, lacerations and broken limbs, and bodies of those killed. It's a horrifying picture."
The incident which has shocked the investigators most happened at Chaona village in the Chiweshe area last Monday. A Zanu (PF) MP is believed to have led an armed gang of 45 in an attack on MDC activists, leaving four dead. Three other victims died later and at least 50 people were seriously injured.
"It was a ferocious onslaught on the village. We have never seen anything like that before. The village is still in a state of shock and we now live in fear," said an eye - witness at the Avenues Clinic in Harare, where some of the victims have been admitted.
The team of generals has met government, Zanu (PF) and opposition officials, civil society leaders and other interest groups.
I'll not comment.
davidbfpo
Military are really in charge?
Appeared in The (UK) Daily Telegarph today, based on an un-named diplomatic source:
Leading story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...-power%27.html
Short profiles of Mugabe's military cabal: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2084...ary-cabal.html
I am sure specialist analysts, e.g. Africa Confidential have reported this aspect or conclusion before. Note it appeared after the US-UK diplomatic incident.
davidbfpo