The rape of democracy
Peter Hoskin 3:42pm
Now this is unsurprising: Robert Mugabe is being sworn in as Zimbabwe's president for another five years, after winning the recent "run-off" election by a landslide.
I guess this is his warped idea of democratic legitimacy. But when he's blocked earlier outcomes, subdued all political opposition and threatened voters with extreme violence, it's obviously nothing of the sort. It would almost be farcical, were it not for the further suffering to which this "result" condemns Zimbabwe's people.
It can only be hoped that the international community responds accordingly, starting at the African Union summit in Egypt tomorrow.
Expect more on this from our correspondent in Zimbabwe, Maurice Gerard.
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Arthur P
June 29th, 2008 4:14pm Report this commentPeter, he didn't threaten voters with extreme violence, he beat, raped, tortured and murdered voters and their families, including babies, pregnant women and old people. The man is a revolting apology for a human being and Mbeki, his chief apologist should hang his head in shame.
jim aldridge
June 29th, 2008 4:54pm Report this comment"Peter, he didn't threaten voters with extreme violence, he beat, raped, tortured and murdered voters and their families, including babies, pregnant women and old people. The man is a revolting apology for a human being" that pretty much sums it up.
Fergus Pickering
June 29th, 2008 5:20pm Report this commentAnd what, pray, will the other black barons do? Nothing, that's what.
Marian Clarke
June 29th, 2008 6:05pm Report this comment"And what, pray, will the other black barons do? Nothing, that's what". Absolutely correct, they won't do or say anything, the reason is quite simple, they are all as bad as each other to a greater or lesser extent.
Max Kaye
June 29th, 2008 6:21pm Report this comment"It can only be hoped that the international community responds accordingly, starting at the African Union summit in Egypt tomorrow."
You must be joking.
OK, I'm an old cynic, but that doesn't make me wrong. Other than force (internal or external) nothing will dislodge Mugabe and/or his Zanu clique. And, to add to everyone's misery, the sad reality is that the lot that follows Mugabe won't be much better.
It will take a further generation before things improve.
Pete Hoskin
June 29th, 2008 6:28pm Report this commentMax: hope and expectation are two different things...
Max Kaye
June 29th, 2008 6:38pm Report this commentSorry to snap at you you, Pete. I guess I just don't like feeling impotent in the face of evil.
If I thought that there was anything that I could do to really>/i> change the situation - I hope I'd have the guts to do that thing).
Hmmm.... Where are all the Charles Calthrops when you need one?
Familiar Clown
June 29th, 2008 7:55pm Report this comment"And what, pray, will the other black barons do? Nothing, that's what."
No, not nothing, when it comes to Thabo Mbeki. He's actually been accused by Tsvangirai of lobbying at the African Union, after Mugabe's farcical inauguration, for Mugabe to be recognised as a legitimate head of state.
If that doesn't show up his true colours, I don't know what else could.
Fergus Pickering
June 29th, 2008 8:16pm Report this commentDon't the Americans have a missile that can target a man sitting on a toilet a thousand miles away? So lets all us freedom-loving Europeans club together and buy one of those. Even Mugabe will have to go some time. Then... job done, wouldn't you say? I knew whatever the question was the Americans would be part of the answer.
Annie
June 29th, 2008 9:21pm Report this commentMbeki you have forfeited the right to lead your country. You should make a stand for what is right...how dare you condemn the people of Zimbabwe to another 5 years of rule by this brutal dictator, who it is rumoured plans to slay 2 million opposition supporters after this election fiasco. You are a disgrace GO NOW!
Verity
June 30th, 2008 1:11am Report this commentWe have grave events unfolding in Britain.
The lights of our freedoms under the Magna Carga are being switched off by gnawing mental mice.
There is a grand plan for the United Kingdom and it doesn't include freedom of speech, families, or fathers. Meaning the descendants of the brave and intelligent white men who built our Empire and gave freedom of speech and English Common Law to the world. And the brave and intelligent people who sustained our country through wars. And who invented just about everything until the inventive Americans joined in.
They are to be replaced with newcomers who could never have fought their way in with the sword, but, unlike the Gates of Vienna, were accorded not only an open gate, but financial inducements to come to our overcrowded islands and were then elevated over the owners of the country.
I would suggest some focus at home might be appropriate.
I'm sorry about Zimbabwe, but I would suggest that Africa takes care of its own. We have urgent work to do in our own islands and we cannot be distracted.
Ellen
June 30th, 2008 5:38am Report this commentHits the nail on the head, Verily. Motion seconded.
David C
June 30th, 2008 9:41am Report this commentThe situation is unchanged from before the 'election' process began. Mugabe will not give up power.
The MDC announcement of 'no talks with Mugabe' if he declares himself President was neatly topped with Mugabe's announcement of 'talks with opposition parties' only after he is declared President - ergo; No talks.
The man is a walking, talking caricature of a Tinpot African Dictator.
Africa will have to work this one out. It's what 'Independence' means
Zimobserver
June 30th, 2008 2:22pm Report this commentWhat a pity that the actual results of the March 29th presidential election (Morgan Tsvangirai 54%), which are held somewhere under lock and key by the state, can't be verified by a neutral authority.
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