I AM bitterly disappointed that the African Union (AU) did not take a stronger stand and denounce Robert Mugabe and Zanu-PF (News and Comment, last week).

Presidents Seretse Khama of Botswana and Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia have been outspoken in their condemnation of their neighbour while Thabo Mbeki continues to lead the ineffectual quiet diplomacy (so quiet that nobody is listening).

Mugabe is a two-trick pony. He has used violence from the beginning, including the genocide of thousands of Ndebele in the early 1980s to squash any threat of opposition.

His other party piece is blaming all the problems of Zimbabweans on British colonialism, but what has he done to improve the lives of Zimbabweans in almost 30 years?

Morgan Tsvangirai, in contrast, has always refused to resort to violence.

Leigh Banks, ex-Zimbabwean
Epsom, Surrey

Victim support

The senior ranks of the Zimbabwean army and Zanu-PF are as much the problem as Mugabe himself. We need UN peacekeepers to protect victims and let food aid get to them, followed by sanctions so Zanu-PF and the generals can’t pay the “war veterans”.

Duncan McFarlane
Carluke, South Lanarkshire

Empty threat

We know the UN is just a talking shop and nothing will be done through it. Whether Mugabe stays or goes is in the hands of African nations. I expect Mugabe will carry on the violence for a month, then let African observers in who will say all is well.

Charlie Nash
Salisbury, Wiltshire

Abject response

Mugabe’s hands have dripped blood for decades. As for the AU and the UN, they’re both utterly useless.

Rod Baker
Cape Town, South Africa

Forced removal

Mugabe is a symbol of all that is wrong with Africa, a rich continent full of talent and natural resources. Economic sanctions will hurt ordinary people. The best action is to remove him by force as Tanzania removed Idi Amin.

Chyk Okafor
Streamwood, Illinois, USA

Shame on us all

The developed world should be deeply ashamed for having allowed this tragedy — greater than many of the natural disasters we all rush to assist in alleviating — to progress unabated for so many years.

Chris Hawcroft
Milton Keynes

Outside help

The West is tainted in the eyes of Africans. It is time other powerful countries under a UN flag met some of the needs of the world.

Peter Beaumont
Yorkshire

Blame game

The West blames African tribalism, ineptitude and corruption — with good reason. Africa blames colonialism, racism and the “white man” — with good reason. Which, of course, solves nothing. Zimbabwe cannot sort this out on its own unless you want to see another Rwanda/Darfur solution.

T Simoneaux
Blantyre, Malawi

Colour bar

The white settlers who had their land stolen were Zimbabwean just like Mugabe. Just because they were white doesn’t mean they aren’t entitled to the land that they have farmed for generations.

Micheal Farley
Douglasville, Georgia, USA

Loss leader

As a non-white who grew up under the murderous apartheid regime, I am ashamed that Mbeki has not been more forceful in his dealings with Mugabe. He had ample opportunity. Sadly he has failed miserably as a leader and a human being.

Varsi Padayachcee
Poolesville, Maryland, USA

Blood donation

Is this the Africa that Bono and Geldof demand we give money to?

A Thorn,
London

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