By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Last week, an article in the United Kingdom (UK) newspaper, Independent, reported that British General Lord Gutherie and ex Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed invading Zimbabwe. According to the Independent, the UK and many western nations have accused Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe of causing an economic depression by seizing land belonging to white farmers and redistributing it to blacks. Subsequent poor policy decisions further deteriorated the already fragile economy. In addition, the British government accuses President Mugabe of grossly violating human rights.

In response to the article Mr. Charamba, a spokesman for President Mugabe, told the Sunday Mail that they were aware of the British’s desire to not only invade Zimbabwe but to also assassinate President Mugabe and several other political leaders. Mr. Charamba also states that a “defense plan had been operationalised” and that such a plan still exists in preparation for a possible British attack. Charamba claims that the British have not made a move because Blair was told that Zimbabwe had a “very capable army” and thus would be prepared to fight back. In addition, Blair did not have the United State’s support to invade. President Mugabe has always blamed the West for their economic demise. 

The British on the other hand continue to deny that they are trying to interfere with Zimbabwe’s political affairs. Despite the conflicting reports, there are some who support a British invasion. Leading Zimbabwe Cleric, Pius Ncube, feels the invasion and overthrow of President Mugabe is necessary when “millions [are] facing death from famine.” Ncube says that the people of Zimbabwe should rally together to overthrow President Mugabe and that he would be “ready to lead the people, guns blazing but the people are not ready.” According to Ncube, fear is preventing the people from acting.

Today, Zimbabwe reported that it has placed its army on high alert against its former colonial master.

For more information, please see:

Voice of America – Following UK Revelations, Zimbabwe Says It Still Sees Invasion Threat – 19 November 2007

AFP- Army on Alert to Prevent British Invasion: Zimbabwe – 19 November 2007

BBC- Zimbabwe ‘ready for UK invasion’ – 18 November 2007

Reuters: African – Zimbabwe accuses UK of plotting to kill Mugabe-paper – 18 November 2007

Reuters: Africa- Zimbabwe Accuses UK of Plotting to Kill  Mugabe – 18 November 2007