A Growing Crisis in Zimbabwe
Posted on April 23, 2008 - Filed Under Elections, Zimbabwe |
All the elements are in place. It is the perfect storm for all the things that can go wrong in a struggling nation. There is rampant hyperinflation, unemployment is at 80%, there are food and money shortages and the populous is desperate for a change. Welcome to Zimbabwe.
Last month, the citizens has an opportunity to make change happen, in an election. From all independent observers it was clear that President Robert Mugabe had lost. The election, it seems, wasn’t even close. In a country accustomed to waiting for everything from bread to ATM withdrawals, the last month has tested their patience immensely. And that patience may be wearing thing.
There are reports of 1,000 people leaving the country a day, headed for a better life elsewhere. For those who stay, uncertainty has become the norm.
The Mugabe government has not only tried every trick in the book to remain in power, they have invented some of their own as well. First they refused to release the election results. Then they blocked the high court from forcing their release. Then they ordered a recount of the votes. Earlier in the week they claimed a recount might not be possible due to the instability created by the opposition party. Today, they floated the idea of a unity government run by - Robert Mugabe.
Against this backdrop is the shipment of arms from China into Zimbabwe that has yet to reach a port of call that will accept them. Sources say the arms are for police and military usages.
Zimbabwe is on edge and a political solution is needed before violence breaks out. We have seen this before in Africa, and it was only a few months ago. When Kenya’s populous became enraged at the election results, chaos ensued. The crisis in Zimbabwe is by no means identical to Kenya, but there are enough similarities to warrant concern. Action is needed and it is needed now. The major world powers and the African Union need to play a strong diplomatic role in resolving the situation before it becomes the next Kenya.
Zimbabwe has been through enough in recent years, it does not need any more bloodshed or tears.
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[…] Kenya??s populous became enraged at the election results, chaos ensued. The crisis in Zimbabwe ihttp://blog.iconflict.com/a-growing-crisis-in-zimbabwe/Embassy of Kenya, Washington, DCWelcome to the Embassy of Kenya, Washington, DC. Here you will find […]