World Leaders Turn on Mugabe

Robert Mugabe, dictator of Zimbabwe, has finally started to lose the last shreds of support from the world community. After destroying his nation's agricultural sector, no one thought he should go. After stealing a couple of elections, no one thought he should go. After creating hyperinflation of 100,000% and more, no one thought he should go. Now that people are dying of cholera in Zimbabwe, some finally are talking about getting the old fascist out of office.

This journal has long maintained that Mr. Mugabe should be forced from office if he wouldn't go peacefully. Troops from other African nations, indigenous military officers, and riots in the streets must only be used when all other avenues have been exhausted. However, when governmental policy begins to starve the people, time is of the essence. It is shameful that global restraint has taken such deep root.

No matter how belatedly, one welcomes the more forceful stances world leaders have taken in the last week or so. Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga came right out and said that African governments should oust Mr. Mugabe. He chose not to elaborate on whether that meant paratroops in Harare, but his clarity on the objective marks a huge evolution in Kenya's policy.

The US Secretary of State, neoCondoleezza Rice, speaking for a lame duck administration with a good record on Africa if not on Zimbabwe, said categorically that it was “well past time” for Mr. Mugabe to retire from public life. Since there are no US troops available to work outside Iraq-Nam and Afghanistan, one will have to be satisfied with mere words.

Her Majesty's Prime Minister Gordon Brown hedged his position slightly saying he had “been in close contact with African leaders to press for stronger action to give the Zimbabwean people the government they deserve". He also made it clear that the cholera outbreak changed things. He explained, “This is now an international rather than a national emergency. International because disease crosses borders. International because the systems of government in Zimbabwe are now broken. There is no state capable or willing of protecting its people. International because - not least in the week of the 60th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights - we must stand together to defend human rights and democracy, to say firmly to Mugabe that enough is enough."

Finally, South Africa's Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that other African nations should use military force if Mr. Mugabe refuses to go. He came to this view because Mr. Mugabe had committed “gross violations” of human rights. He also had ruined “a wonderful country.” Indeed, he has.

Welcome to the United Front, gang. Just remember, one is judged by one's actions and not by one's pretensions.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

Kensington Review Home