Africa’s Reaction to Zimbabwe

By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch, Africa

Even as many continue to criticize the veteran president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, and the declining state of the country, President Mugabe remains firm and defiant. During his meeting with the heads of state of Tanzania on Wednesday May 28th, Mugabe pushed aside the fact that the country has the fastest-shrinking economy and a massive food shortage. Instead he focused on his opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), accusing them of “terrorists” acts manifested by Britain and the West to destabilize the government.

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, like many African leaders are reluctant to support Mugabe. Mugabe’s strategy to persuade neighboring African countries to side with him against white imperialism has succeeded in the past but it is unlikely to succeed now given the critical position of the country and its people.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, blames Mugabe for turning the once prosperous African nation and former British colony into the country with the world highest inflation rate. Blair recognizes that the solution to Zimbabwe must ultimately come from the nation itself and neighboring regions of Africa. Blair used his farewell tour of Africa to encourage and support the role of South Africa’s president, Thabo Mbeki, as mediator between Mugabe and the MDC.

Although President Mbeki has been pushed by the West and Britain to take a stronger hand against Mugabe, Mbeki has refused. However, President Mbeki has warned that he will not allow the declining conditions of Zimbabwe to threaten South Africa’s opportunity to host the World Cup of 2010. According to the BBC new, some European nations have contemplated challenging South Africa’s appointment if the situation in Zimbabwe continues to spiral downward.

For more information please see:

Yahoo – Zimbabwe crisis needs African solution: Blair – 01 June 2007

Yahoo – Blair backs mediation on Zimbabwe crisis – 01 June 2007

BBC – Mugabe’s hold over African leaders – 28 March 2007

Author: Impunity Watch Archive