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From The Times

July 2, 2008

Robert Mugabe cements grip as African Union ducks censure

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Sonia Verma In Sharm El-Sheikh

African Union leaders ended their summit in Egypt yesterday refusing to condemn President Mugabe, cementing his hold on power even as they urged the establishment of a national unity government in Zimbabwe.

“He has come here as President of Zimbabwe. He will go home as President of Zimbabwe,” George Charamba, Mr Mugabe’s spokesman, said.

The AU’s final resolution fell short of the full censure sought by the Zimbabwean Opposition and came as both camps signalled that any prospect of talks leading to possible powersharing had faded.

Representatives from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said that they were disappointed with the AU’s inaction, with one senior member calling it an “empty gesture”. Last week Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC’s leader, said that negotiations with Zanu (PF) could only take place before the run-off election and that he would not talk to Mr Mugabe after it.

The resolution on Zimbabwe said that the AU was concerned with the situation and would encourage Mr Mugabe to initiate dialogue with Mr Tsvangirai “for the creation of a government of national unity”. It said: “The AU remains convinced that the people of Zimbabwe will be able to resolve their differences and work together once again as one nation.”

But the statement stood in stark contrast to Western critics who have called for Mr Mugabe to be ousted and have moved to isolate his Government. Lord Malloch-Brown, the Foreign Office Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, said at the summit that Mr Mugabe must be ejected from any power-sharing deal if the country were to receive economic aid from Britain. Bernard Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister, said that the EU would only accept a Zimbabwean government that was headed by Mr Tsvangirai.

Signs of a split within the AU emerged as sources claimed that Nigeria and Senegal wanted any power-sharing deal to be based on the results of Zimbabwe’s first-round election, won by Mr Tsvangirai. The Botswana delegation even called for Zimbabwe to be kicked out of the AU.

But the apparent lack of willingness from most African leaders to condemn Mr Mugabe has appeared to make him bolder. The Zimbabwean leader said through a spokesman that the West could “go hang a thousand times. They have no basis, no claim on Zimbabwean politics at all.”

Mr Mugabe emerged from the summit holding the upper hand in any future negotiations with Mr Tsvangirai, who yesterday left the Dutch Embassy in Harare, where he had sought refuge from the violence. The AU resolution endorsed at the summit did not specify the opposition’s role in a unity government, nor did it say whether it should hold executive powers.

George Sibotshiwe, an MDC spokesman, told The Times: “We presented our case to all of the heads of states. There is nothing more we can do.” The MDC issued a statement from Harare saying: “There are no talks or discussions taking place between the two parties and most importantly, there is no agreement in the offing.”

Mr Mugabe’s spokesman rejected a power-sharing deal similar to that reached in Kenya after the violence that followed a disputed election. “We have our own history of evolving dialogue and resolving political impasses the Zimbabwean way. The Zimbabwean way, not the Kenyan way. Not at all,” Mr Charamba said.

He attacked Raila Odinga, the Kenyan Prime Minister, who has called for Mr Mugabe to be expelled from the AU. “Odinga’s hands drip with blood, raw African blood. And that blood is not going to be cleansed by any amount of abuse of Zimbabwe,” Mr Charamba added.

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my mother was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and
i was lucky enough to go visit there a number
of years ago. hence my interest in following
events there. i find your words refreshing,
for it means that the "stereotypical American"
isn't the only short-sighted breed of human...

mathguy, Philadelpiha, USA

Friends, I strongly feel Africa belongs to Africans. Yes Black Africans as it was all along. Colonialization had seen Whites settling in Africa and many Whites had since remained there.
In all fairness, White settlers - yes, depends, White rule - NO.
African must not be like Canada,Aust.& NZ

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

MR Mugabe, was once the darling of the IMPEARLIST powers , the British and America. The Queen of England once held a Banquet in his hounor at the Palace. He also receive a honorary knighthood, and numerous honorary degrees from around the world.Then came LAND REFORM , Then hero to villain.

sean , dublin,

True leadership and the world's admiration will go to the person who arrests Mugabe and any of his henchmen, sending him to the International Court for Criminal Justice. Along side Charles Taylor, the murderous thugs will have they day in court, unlike the many innocents who died for democracy.

Michael Cranny, Blacktown, Australia

Iwonder if he remembers Sadam and which road he went down ??

CHRIS ELLIS, WREXHAM, UK

President Mbeki knows more about the situation in Zimbabwe than the majority of posters who specialise in knee-jerk reactions to headline news. Zimbabwe is not a threat to regional or international peace, so why is the United Nations being involved.Let Zimbabweans decide.

Davis, Manchester,

The West do not have moral or legal right to have a say in who rules Zimbabwe.
After the rape and destruction of Iraq...stealing of Iraq's oil....followed by imposition of stooges in iraq...all in the name of installing democracy....the Westerners should go and hide in shame and focus on Iraq.

Chris Obiekwe, Warri, Nigeria

And the liberals are waiting to throw more of our tax money into Africa even though they can clearly see it's a lost cause

John, Salford, England

I hope all those who are still deluding themselves about the rightness and the level of popularity of Mugabe had a good lesson from events that unfolded in the past 6 weeks.
The world is bigger than the EU and USA.
No amount of false garbage from the West can blur the obvious rightness of Mugabe.

Alton Hadzisa, London, UK

I just want to add weight to Gustav,s remarks that we should sanction every african nation that endorses mugabe ,and also cut off aid -sadly it will cause difficulty for the innocents but maybe then they will stand up to these tyrants who are responsible for the bloodshed and rape of Africa .

phil, lancs, uk

Rwanda, how long before it happens in Zimbabwe?

JR, West Midlands, UK

What a pity that Zimbabwean terror has come to our British streets... If Africa has to solve its problems, why do we have to put up with the fallout of its failure to do so?

Elizabeth, London, England

Sara - how do you think this little island called 'Great' Britain became a superpower? Ever heard of 'The Commonwealth' or 'The Britishwealth' as it should have been called?
Britain has a responsibilty to help Zim & I'm glad people who think like you are a minority in this country!

RH, London, UK

Zimbawe is under Apartaid but it is being ignored because it's black on black. So many people are leaving South Africa not just white people, we have our own leaders here threating to kill, cops shooting at cops. Zuma signing bring me my machine gun. Looks like a bright future in S.A.

Bob Kristion, JHB, S.A

Lim...for starters Mugabe is no gentleman...unless you count murder, beating, rape and torture as gentlemanly activities?
The AU's own monitors said that the run off election was not free and fair. And yet the AU do not condemn him. What does that say for their regard for their own standards?

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

Africa with Zambia, Botswana & Kenya aside has put 2 fingers up to democracy. This issue is now bigger than Zim. ANC is driving Africa's renewed anti-democratic policy. Hit them hard. Sanctions & give UK the World Cup.

RG, London, UK

Sara in London - forget about 1billion of the world's people? I'm glad people who think like you represent a minority in the UK.

RG, London, UK

Friends, I don't understand the West at all. Now who's the problem? First it was Mr.Mugabe, then Mr.Mbeki, gradually it was Mr.Mandela. You threatened intervention, sanction, stopping aid, deporting African migrants,and now you talked about the world cup in SA. Where else? Who else? What else? Umm?

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Responding to Western condemnation of Mugabe, Gabon's president said "I can ... tell you that we are not obliged to obey orders from overseas". That works for me - and ogically, te flip side - that the West is also not obliged to keep on filling Africa's begging bowl. All aid should stop.

Rod Baker, Cape Town, South Africa

the spineless AU once again ducks it responsibilities as does SA. the people of Zimbabwe suffer whilst the the AU fiddles, too frightened to chastise one of its own.

r.down, london, uk

Let Zim sort its own mess out! If the west intervenes then the lefties with nothing to do since the end of the cold war will brand it imperialism or neo colonialism and protest in the streets. We cant win what ever we do. Mugabe is just another Saddam or Taliban Mullah!

john, Manchester,

Congratulations to Botswana. This proud, noble nation once again shows the courage and dignity to stand up to Mugabe. If only other nations had the guts to follow the lead set by Botsawana. A shining beacon for humanity on a troubled continent.

Tony Butler, London, UK

Isn't it about time we left Africa to the Africans. Zimbabwe borders with four/ five other African countries, how's about leaving the parental role to them. Stop all aid but do not impose sanctions, it is a free world, individual companies should have the right to deal with Zimbabwe if they chose.

Mark, Felixstowe,

The people of South Africa and the people of Zimbabwe have no say in the actions of their leaders. Mbeki says and does as he pleases against the will of his people and Mugabe has no regard for his either. Take on the leaders don't punish the people who are already suffering.

Vincent, Johannesburg, South Africa

The stance taken by the African Union is hardly surprising. Many of its members rule by equally despotic methods and few have been fairly elected.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

Africa has shown (save few countries there) by accepting and not condemning this mad despot Mugabe that it will not respect democratic processes.It is a message to the civilised world that Africa is,and will always be,a place of misery on account of it's own leaders.What hope is left for Africa?

KR, Turku,Finland,

Rick - Mugabe is not 'as good as it gets' in Zimbabwe. If that is your level of understanding regarding Africa's affairs why post anything at all?
Is Bush 'as good as it gets' in America?????

RG, London, UK

Africans are so fond of saying how they don't want white mans interference, so lets not interfere. In any way. Stop ALL aid to ALL African countries. If they change their minds & want our help, then let them have it, but only if they agree to our conditions. SA don't deserve to host the WC.

Mark, Zurich, Switzerland

Yet again Africa and African leaders have shown that maybe we should just leave them to stew in the makings of their own fate.

David, Athens, Greece

Good to see Britain standing firm against denial of democracy in Zimbabwe and routine state violence against political opponents. So courageous, the British. Now tell me, what was it that you British gave to the King of Saudi Arabia earlier this year? A Royal Visit was it? British hypocrites.

Malan, Jo'burg,

Oh for a clear-out of those Swiss bank accounts - then the world could see how so many politicians are finagling money sent by the rich nations for the alleviation of poverty and the creation of jobs for their benighted populationsl.

Remember how much Yasser Arafat had salted away.

leila, manchester, uk

The west is right, this is an issue that needs to be dealt with by SADC countries, which the majority at the moment shows no condemnation against Mugabe. Sollution, simple, stop all aid and sanction all these SADC countries, sport and economicly, that don't condemn Mugabe.

Gustav, Amsterdam, Holland

Once again the so-called leaders of Africa have been put to the test and once again they have been found wanting. What is it within the African psyche that prevents them from taking strong leadership roles? Of course, the biggest disappointment and now co-author of Zimbabwe's ruin, is Thabo Mbeki

Sean, Johannesburg, South Africa

Going to SA for the FIFA soccer WC? The photos of people being burnt alive show what they do to foreigners in SA. In addition rob, rape and kill even for just a mobile phone. About the most violent country in the world even more that Iraq now. Check the govt. web sites.

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain

Lim in Malysia.

Zimbabweans cannot solve this problem because the Mugabe regime will not allow it. The 'two gentlemen' do not want to talk it over. They refuse any contact. The AU will hopefully go a long way to sorting this out. Your endlessly repeated argument seems most boring and unrealistic

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

At what point does Africa become a able member of the world stage? Maybe Mr. Mugabe is as good as it gets in Zimbabwe. Let Africa figure it out. The Western World can't fix every thing that is horrible in Africa.

Rick, San Jose, USA

Andy, Bristol so you boot him out of the UN that really is going to frighten him, he does not care about anything or anyone except himself and the people who hold the guns that protect him. He is a hated coward and no one will cry when he is gone. You watch the joy in Zim when he is gone.

Lloyd, London,

Whats colour got to do with it? Nothing wrong with caring about a people being oppressed what ever their colour and whom ever supports the oppressor.
Its a pity Zimbabwe is not an oil rich country.....

Pete, Auckland, New Zealand

Nearly 30 years since independence it's time for Africa to grow up and take resposibility for itself. If it was a child, Africa would be sitting on the couch, refusing to get a job because it was bullied at school. Its time for some tough love.

Patrick Henderson, Coventry,

The only problem with a 2010 boycott and alienating South Africa is that country is another Zimbabwe in the making potentailly with far more devastating consequences. Mbeki only has months left and will be gone before the World Cup and his successor needs to be given time to sort out his mistakes.

Alastair, Rye, UK

the west must sanction all the sadc countries and when they feel the beat they will be able to condemn mugabe.Tsvangiari do not be too desperate for this animal called government of unity because mdc will end up swallowed by zanu pf as it did to zapu pf.do not let them use mdc to get aid from west

chihombori, rusape ,

UK & US have to stop 'helping' Mugabe. Things will have to get far worse before they get better. All aid to Zim must stop. The West's concern for the people is propping up Mugabe.

RG, London,

Fear for South Africans. Mbeki & his lot have shown a scant disregard for democracy. What will happen in the future when the ANC's majority is threatened? I think Mbeki's actions or lack of have answered that.

RG, London,

The MDC should form a Government in Exile and have that represent Zimbabwe at the UN and other international events. It would be a very serious undermining of Mugabe. Also agree that spectators (not teams) should boycott the World Cup in Sth Africa unless M'Beki takes action to condemn Mugabe

Reece, Melb, Australia

why dont we just forget africa, and let it sort out its own problems, we have enough in the UK, with gang wars, stabbings, etc, itstime to look after our own

sara, london,

Everybody has called for the West to stay out of this, that this is an African problem that needs an African solution.

At what point do starving, HOPELESS people deserve more than just strong words.

Do we incur the wrath of the world and do what's right or mumble about process? Troops. Now.

George, London,

This is a true African tragedy and yet again the despots survive another day. My heart bleeds for the innocent Zimbabweans who are suffering this misrule. They have been cowed into submission, have no arms to fight back. Boycott the World Cup and give SA a lesson.

Sue Shaw, Morpeth, UK

How can we judge their democracy? We don't understand the culture, the people or the place. Democracy is a word of a thousand definitions and translations. We, as Americans, should solve the problems in our government and stay out of mingling in the problems of others.The AU did the right thing.

Bradley Becque, Galesburg, USA

Where is the outrage by the left wing elements, the African apologists?

Glen, Johannesburg,

A portion of African rulers are happy to see how far they can go without any action being taken against them.
A portion of the Old World is happy to see post-colonial Africa continuing to slide yet further down the pan.
Get over it. There is nothing that can be done to "fix" countries like Zimbabwe.

Milo, Shanghai,

The reason the AU have failed to condemn Mugabe is because most African leaders genuinely feel that Mugabe is acting in a very normal way. Make no mistake this is the African way.

Even the west's favourite African "leader" Nelson Mandela is feeble in his condemnation. Africa is doomed.

Ian Wilson, Perth, Australia

The African "leaders" must know something that the rest of the world is ignorant of. Perhaps it is important. Leave them to their own devices. We have more important things nearer home to spend money on.

robert peterson, Melbourne, australia

Makes you wonder what South Africa will be like in 15 to 20 years time?

CM, Peel, IOM

The key to getting South Africa to withdraw their support for Mugabe is the World Cup. Everything is geared to "time to get rich" at visitors expense. Apart from South Africa being the most violent Country on the Planet, many will return in bodybags, this is an opportunity to withdraw the World Cup.

Bill, Johannesburg, South Africa

I suspect the only ones relishing this day are those who so long ago thought colonialism was so horrid. They are surely taking comfort in the fact the destruction of colonial government has also meant the slaughter and genocide of untold millions of African lives.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Since the spineless African leaders won't even condemn Mugabe, no one should expect the white western democracies to step in and come to the rescue. If Africans don't care about Africans why should anyone else?

Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C. , USA

Yet another cop out by the Arican Union !!! .. Tacitly I suspect they see him as a Hero.. ...

Chris cooper, oxford, uk

A sad day for Zimbabwe and Africa.

Ian, Madison, USA

Africa & democracy are like oil & water.

Good governance in Africa, is as unlikely as a good English Summer.

Europe & America dont want to get involved as the Africa problem will never be solved by white men.

The strong men of Africa wont condemn Mugabe, as they cant see beyond the colour issue.

Tim, warwick,

Negotiated settlement, how incredibly naive can one be. This is AFRICA people. This Mugabe coward will keep killing and torturing people until someone kills him or if he is lucky removed by the West to face trial in The Hague. Do not think western democracy can work in Africa, it cannot!

Lloyd, London,

Was anyone really surprised at the lack of condemnation for Robert Mugabe from the African Union leaders?
What's the saying in the bible...'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone'. All of them, with few exceptions wouldn't want to draw attention to their own atrocious human rights records

Michael Beasley, Redhill, Surrey

80% approval rating? If that were true then there would have been no need for a 2nd round of elections.

James, London,

As an ex-Rhodie living in the US I despair for Africa. Independence has destroyed the continent. Mass murderers like Mgabe will continue to thrive as all the old "Cronies" of Africa stick together while presiding over the ruins of their once prosperous lands blaming everything the West. No-one cares

Chris Sysum, Wake Forest N.C., USA

Like what i said before nothing comes out this "golf club" so called AU.Its made up of like minded people bend killing,underhand dealing discussing best ways to extaminate their own people.Best way forward is a surprise attack on Mugabe.He needs to see a stealth gunship hovering above him .

bernard, hitchin, uk

It is a terrible shame that the nations of Africa are either so corrupt themselves or are so politicaly immature that they would rather condone the brutal oppression in Zimbabwe than be seen to be in league with "the white man" in defence of the democratric rights of fellow Africans. Shame!

Dominic May, Stratford-Upon-Avon,

Africans will not help the two because all sadc members and not forgeting mbeki are on mugabe sides.its better for western countrys to help Zim people. We steal live under dictator ship in Africa. Not only Zim but all African countrys the same.

Gibson, Kitwe, Zambia

Few people will call for real action, as to do so would create unbearable cognitive dissonance over their opposition to the liberation of Iraq. Much easier to just affix bumper stickers, and sit in the comfy coffee shops expressing faux outrage. At least do this: stop all aid to any AU country.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

The world cup is the only lever to force S Africa to step up its activities against Zimbabwe. Cut off their revenue streams and they will pull the power to Zimbabwe

Ian, Paris,

Charan Muzay -You state that you are a Zimbabwean, domiciled in the UK and have not visited Zim for thirty years.Your solutions to the Zim's problems are truly shocking.Zanu-PF has more than 80% support in the country.Do you want all of those killed as well?A negotiated deal is the best option.

Davis, Manchester,

Mugabe should be given an ultimatum - fresh elections under UN supervision or expulsion from that body.

Andy, Bristol, UK

Mbeki-aligned South African media have been putting out stories that the MDC is about to capitulate and accept a junior role in a Zanu-PF dominated government for at least five years now. These rumours are no longer worth reporting. Let's just wait and see what happens - and cancel all aid to Africa

Oliver Chettle, Bedford,

Please send in the B52 bombers, smash the army, air force, war veterans, Mugabe's residence and motorcade. He has just issued a statement again today telling the world to go hang! Is noone in Washington or London witnessing any of this? Has he cowed all of you or what? This is outrageous!

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

What about a mass boycott by football fans travelling to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.

This will embarrass South Africa and may force them to nudge Mugabe/ZANU-PF into oblivion.

After all, what is more important, peoples lives or kicking a football?

Karl, Hanworth, England

We should also apply the suggested sanctions and policies, without exception or favour to China, North Korea, Malaysia, USA, Saudia Arabia etc.

Ray, Brussels, Belgium

Western friends, threats of intervention, aid, sanctions and others are not the solution. It is not prudent to also threaten the other African states. Zimbabweans want to solve their own problems, so please let the two gentlemen talk it over Whatever the result, it is still Zimbabwean matter.
0107

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Western pressure on Zim does nothing. Pressure on SADC and SA to act does nothing.

So it is time we freeze all travel and bank accounts for the Zim government, associates and families. Money talks.

JC, London, UK

Thank you...on the first place,what is dictatorship and Violence..Who is doing this...if the African Leader knows this, what are they doing up to now...they must try to put them selves on refuges shoes to know how it feels.More people left the country because of one person...we only want peace.....

Daniel, Windhoek, Namibia

Instead of wringing our hands over African leaders’ reluctance to criticise Robert Mugabe, we should threaten to withhold aid to any country whose leader attempts to legitimise Zimbabwe’s latest election.

Brian Christley, Abergele, UK