Zimbabwe: 2007 till Mugabe resigns

[jcustis]

Just received this through the Lekkerwear email string.

[Tom Odom]

Stan: Hmmm, were these Vets the very same that ended up with all the farm land ?

There you go again reading the future, Stan...

Zimbabwe's war veterans set their sights on white farmsCatherine Philp in Harare

Militant supporters of Robert Mugabe descended on some of Zimbabwe’s last white-owned farms yesterday in an orchestrated campaign of intimidation designed to keep him in power.

The invasions, which sparked memories of the farm seizures that ultimately brought the economy to its knees, got under way as the ruling party and the Opposition both launched legal battles over the release of election results.

Lawyers for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) appeared in court to press for the immediate release of presidential poll results, more than a week after the election. Mr Mugabe’s ruling Zanu (PF), meanwhile, hit back with a demand that results be withheld and a recount taken.

And the source of the new assult in the few remaining white farmers: Mugabe's state run paper

Court to Rule on Release of Vote Count in Zimbabwe

...In the state-run Herald newspaper on Monday, President Robert G. Mugabe urged Zimbabweans to defend their land from former white “colonizers,” adding to fears that he may be preparing to stir unrest and mount a campaign of violent intimidation of the kind he has used to win past elections.

The newspaper said there were “widespread reports of white former farmers flocking back into the country” to take over the land in the event of an opposition victory.

Meanwhile Mugabe's security forces have been intimidating the lawyers

Zimbabwe police threaten to shoot lawyers
By Foreign Staff in Harare and Gethin Chamberlain

The political turmoil in Zimbabwe worsened as armed police blocked attempts by opposition parties to force the publication of delayed election results.

In a showdown on the steps of the colonial-style High Court building in the capital, Harare, plain-clothes officers brandished guns and threatened to open fire on lawyers who were trying to get inside to put their case to a judge.

[Stan]

Tom, it appears there's been an issue with mathematics (the inability to count beyond one's fingers and toes).

Zimbabwean police have arrested at least five officials

Police said the election officials have been charged with fraud and criminal abuse of duty, accused of taking nearly 5,000 votes away from Mr Mugabe.

There you go again reading the future, Stan...
And the source of the new assult in the few remaining white farmers: Mugabe's state run paper

From the article above:

"Land must remain in our hands - the land is ours, it must not be allowed to slip back into the hands of whites" President Robert Mugabe

I think Tsvangirai probably should consider staying in South Africa a little while longer !

[Stan]

Moeletsi Mbeki, the outspoken brother of South Africa’s President, this week revealed why he believes that SADC has continued to support Robert Mugabe, despite his obvious failures and their negative effect on the region.

Writing in The Sunday Tribune in South Africa, Mbeki said he believes that Zimbabwe's neighbours are “mollycoddling” Mugabe because they have short-sighted leadership and a fear of the more democratic political forces that are emerging in Zimbabwe.

... the emergence of these “new, well-organised, cosmopolitan and vocal constituencies that were no longer interested in the politics of race, but in the accountability of governance, has struck fear in the hearts of established rulers, not only in Zimbabwe, but in the whole of Southern Africa.”

All Africa - SADC Steps Into the Fray

"The summit was not a reaction to Zimbabwe's problems, but probably a response to pressure from donor nations..."

"SADC has given ZANU-PF comfort to do what it is doing".

... the MDC was not just a threat to ZANU-PF, but also to SADC as it was representative of civil society and most governments in southern Africa were "nationalist parties, created by black elites during the colonial era, who saw themselves as colonial equals.

They see themselves as superior to the black masses."

[davidbfpo]

A website I belong to has published an un-confirmed confidential list with explanatory footnote supplied by a senior member of the Zimbabwe military, who is extremely annoyed and frustrated by the ongoing attempts of the military to achieve the impossible, and provoke a reaction from the mass of Zimbabweans who voted for the end of Mugabe's regime. The plea is that it is essential that the regional and international community see the extent of the determination by the military to subvert the expressed will of Zimbabweans. Despite such efforts, it is increasingly clear, both within and outside Zimbabwe, that there is a determined resolve to see an end to Mugabe's regime, which no amount of dirty tricks can prevent.

In total, 200 serving senior officers of the armed forces will be participating in the exercise. They will be commanding other war veterans and Zanu pf thugs. The teams will be deployed on 8th April 2008 to campaign for RG Mugabe in the run off under the guise of war veterans. With the exception of two, all the deployed officers are senior serving officers of the armed services. It is understood that Lt. Gen. PV Sibanda will command the operation with the assistance of Maj. Gen. Nick Dube. General Chiwenga will be the overall commander of the operation. He is being assisted by Maj. Gen Last Mugova and Col. S. Mudambo.

I've deleted the names for brevity.

davidbfpo

[jcustis]

I just read the more generic mention of just what you posted David. I can crystal-ball a spate of violence soon, akin to Noriega in Panama. This is not looking good.

But I wonder, did Mugabe actually leave the country to go to the summit in Zambia? Perhaps he is not overly concerned about the outcome of any political issues, and doesn't see any threats.

[Stan]

According to recent VOA releases, Mugabe will be attending the emergency summit together with Tsvangirai. I think you're right, JC. Mugabe doesn't see a threat, nor is he concerned too much about leaving the country. One could speculate that Mugabe is on his quiet way out, never to return. But, he just reinstalled his former cabinet, and stashed the electoral commission into a secret location That said, it doesn't look like he's at all concerned.

[Tom Odom]

According to recent VOA releases, Mugabe will be attending the emergency summit together with Tsvangirai. I think you're right, JC. Mugabe doesn't see a threat, nor is he concerned too much about leaving the country. One could speculate that Mugabe is on his quiet way out, never to return. But, he just reinstalled his former cabinet, and stashed the electoral commission into a secret location That said, it doesn't look like he's at all concerned.

I believe that at age 84 Mugabe intends to hang out until the last possible moment, perhaps even going for a Gbadolite-style retreat and a demise in isolated but somewhat still in charge lifestyle.

The real threat is not Mugabe--it is the folks around Mugabe who sold their souls to keep favor with the old man. How will they react should he go down? There will be no Gbadolite fror them. Part of their solution is already in play: resurrect the "white colonist/farmer" threat and meanhwile ignore the man (or men) behind the curtain who are manipulating the threat.

Remember also that at its heart, Zimbabwe is still very much a country split between Shona and Ndebele. Under Mugabe the Shona as the majority won the struggle to climb to the top; the Ndebele after some minor civil war among "victors" (sarcasm) bought into it with ZANU-PF making Zimbabwe essentially a one party state.

Zimbabwe: they dragged me behind a truck to make me vote for Mugabe

...Areas across Matabeleland, Masvingo and Manicaland, which swung away from the ruling Zanu (PF) party for the first time, have found themselves at the forefront of the brutality.

White-owned farms were the first targets of the Zanu (PF) youth militias and so-called war veterans but from there the militias have moved on to party activists and even independent election observers. Insiders say that the campaign is being co-ordinated by 200 handpicked military and intelligence officers, each of whom is responsible for regional militia cells.

On Tuesday in Matabeleland South, to the east of Bulawayo, youth militia armed with AK47s stopped traffic and ordered people off buses, rounding them up and forcing them at gunpoint to chant slogans in praise of the ruling party. If they could not, they were beaten. “There will be a rerun for the presidential election and if you try and vote for the MDC again we will go to war,” the militiamen said. “We are not asking you to vote Zanu, we are ordering you - or else you will be killed.”

The future is indeed cloudy...

Tom

[Stan]

I believe that at age 84 Mugabe intends to hang out until the last possible moment, perhaps even going for a Gbadolite-style retreat and a demise in isolated but somewhat still in charge lifestyle.

The real threat is not Mugabe--it is the folks around Mugabe who sold their souls to keep favor with the old man. How will they react should he go down? There will be no Gbadolite fror them. Part of their solution is already in play: resurrect the "white colonist/farmer" threat and meanhwile ignore the man (or men) behind the curtain who are manipulating the threat.

Remember also that at its heart, Zimbabwe is still very much a country split between Shona and Ndebele. Under Mugabe the Shona as the majority won the struggle to climb to the top; the Ndebele after some minor civil war among "victors" (sarcasm) bought into it with ZANU-PF making Zimbabwe essentially a one party state.

The future is indeed cloudy...

Tom

That old fart is nearly 3 times older than the WHO's estimated life expectancy of a male Zimbabwean. Maybe he's got a great farm to go to upon retirement. South Africa may not be a good haven considering how many Ndebele are hanging out there waiting.

And, just in case things get outta hand during the emergency summit...

Zimbabwe bans political rallies

Zimbabwean police have banned political rallies "with immediate effect", amid growing tension over the country's disputed presidential election.

Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena told state radio there were insufficient officers to deploy at such rallies.

The decision came as state radio reported that President Robert Mugabe would not now attend a regional summit on the crisis in Zambia at the weekend.

[Tom Odom]

And just in...so much for the Lusaka summit

Mugabe pulls out of key meeting on election crisis

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNN) -- Prospects of resolving Zimbabwe's two-week-old election crisis appeared dim Friday after a government spokesman said President Robert Mugabe would not attend a key weekend meeting with other regional leaders.

It is a reversal for Mugabe, who said Thursday he would attend the one-day summit in Lusaka, Zambia sponsored by the 15-member Southern African Development Community (SADC). The SADC called the summit to address Zimbabwe's March 29 presidential vote, the results of which are still unknown.

[Rhodesian]

Thabo Mbeki says there is "no crisis" in Zim . . . . .
http://www.sokwanele.com/sendcard

[davidbfpo]

From The Guardian (UK) a report on intimidation of the public: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/10/zimbabwe1

davidbfpi

[davidbfpo]

Appearing on the BBC website, although citing a Zimbabwean newspaper, under the title Zimbabwe to hold partial recount and summary - Zimbabwe's electoral commission has ordered a recount of ballots in 23 constituencies in disputed elections held two weeks ago, local media says.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7344900.stm

As one reponse says how can a recount be trusted when the ballot boxes disappeared from public view for two weeks?

Note still no public announcement of the presidential election result.

davidbfpo

[Stan]

Interesting post, David. Reuters is now quoting Zimbabwe's Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu as saying Army will not fight Zimbabweans in poll. So looks like the old farts have to go it alone

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's army will not fight Zimbabweans over election results, the information minister said on Sunday, responding to opposition charges that President Robert Mugabe had staged a de facto coup to extend his rule.

"The soldiers are in the barracks where they belong because the country does not fully require their services in such a peaceful environment. I believe everyone in the country is aware that there is no military junta," Zimbabwe's Sunday Mail quoted Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu as saying.

[davidbfpo]

Stan,

I am very sceptical that the ZNA will stay in their barracks, already there are reports that officers are being despatched to the provinces to co-ordinate the next stage of ZANU-PF's campaign to retain power. The ZNA would not need to fight their fellow citizens, just not do anything to stop the expected intimidation of the rural voters. Keeping the ZNA in barracks also helps to insulate them from the citizenry and under control. Heaven forbid someone in the ZNA decided not to remain loyal to Mugabe and ZANU-PF.

Historically the Police (ZRP) have been a more influential force, without any current signs of independence. Then there is the intelligence agency (CIO) whose loyalty is un-conditional and have a long history of brutality.

davidbfpo

[davidbfpo]

Here is a newly discovered website that appears to collate new stories from outside Zimbabwe: http://www1.zimbabwesituation.com/index.html#mail

davidbfpo

[Stan]

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's High Court on Monday rejected an opposition bid to force authorities to release the result of the country's presidential election after a two-week delay that has stoked fears of violence.

Hmmm, what would it take anymore to change one's opinion ?

... the Movement for Democratic Change said one of its supporters had been stabbed to death by members of President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party.

Police said the killing, by three people, did not appear to be political.

In his ruling, High Court Judge Tendai Uchena found in favor of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), saying it had shown the reason for the results delay was legally valid: "It can therefore justify the delay ... I dismiss the case with costs."

[davidbfpo]

On another website there is a report, an email only, that the MDC has called a general strike starting Tuesday 15th April 2008 and calls for:

Please support the call for a General Strike. We elected Morgan Tsvangiraito be our President; let's RESPOND POSITIVELY to his call. * Do not come to work tomorrow (April 15th).* Stay peacefully at home.* Phone everyone you know NOW and spread the word.* Ask them to start phoning and spreading the word too.* Encourage those who are fearful or unsure that there comes a timewhen people need to stand together, strong and proud and peaceful, forwhat we believe in as a nation.* Don't forget: we have won. The only reason why ZEC is delaying isbecause the results showed that the opposition leader, Robert Mugabe, lostthe elections* Be peaceful, be proud and be strong.

A reporter found in the high density townships around Harare tension was rising, with calls that buses would be stoned if on the roads and if ZANU-PF brought in supporters from the rural areas.

The email appears to originate from this opposition website: http://www.sokwanele.com

davidbfpo

[davidbfpo]

Have a read of Peter Oborne's article in The Spectator (UK): http://www.spectator.co.uk/the-magaz...t-terror.thtml

Gives an interesting viewpoint on the lections and refers to parts of the security forces not agreeing with ZANU-PF. Oborne is a London-based columnist, but did a good documentary on Zimbabwe last year.

davidbfpo

[Stan]

Much like years of abuse in Zaire, the opposition's call for a general strike in protest of the current impasse simply never happened. Folks still need to work and eat, and politics has never been a factor til the soldiers strike with weapons and burn tires in the streets

Zimbabwe opposition strike fails

Many Zimbabwean shops and businesses are open as usual despite opposition calls for a general strike to press for election results to be published.

Correspondents say many people cannot afford to lose a day's pay, while some say they have not heard of the strike.