Africa need not worry. In twenty-five (25) years China will be a dominant economic power. If Africans thought the Europeans were bad, just wait until the Asians are their colonial overlords (all of those mineral exports coupled with an inability to curtail HIV/AIDS). Africans will have no one to blame but themselves. Corruption (Nigeria), impunity (Mugabe), intertribal conflicts (Kenya), ongoing animist superstition,( Uganda) and an inability to govern themselves (Somalia) will perpetuate Africa's subordinate position in the world political economy. Welcome to the 21st century. You deserve your own enslavement.

can we try yo be a bit more positive, like trying to encourage the necessary attitude rather than highlight the failure of leaders.

Mugabe and company must not be allowed to take part in any summit because he is not an elected leader. All countries must not take a sof stance against this guy MUZINGIRIREI KANA AUYA NDOKUTI AONE KUTI YOU ARE SERIOUS

Mugabe and ZANU (PF) have won over AU. I have always condescended these hapless African leaders. Mugabe so despises Tsvangirai that he does not think Tsvangirai is worth of any office even at district level. So how do these leaders think Mugabe will appoint Tsvangirai to the lofty position of Prime Minister as Mwai Kibaki did to Raila Odinga. When it comes to politics, Kibaki is a saint and Mugabe is a devil. Mugabe likes to dominate and will not allow himself to share power with Tsvangirai. I think the individual members of the international community, AU and SADC should take individual actions on Zimbabwe. Those like Botswana, UK, USA, Nigeria etc that feel Mugabe and ZANU (PF) should not be allowed to get away with murder should impose punitive political, social and economic sanctions. Others like South Africa, Egypt, China, Russia etc that have no respect for democratic processes can cooperate with Mugabe and try to help his dictatorial regime overcome its problems. Tsvangirai and MDC should strategies and pursue what is best for them and I should clearly say Tsvangirai and MDC should think deep and wide. Politics of trade unionism such as boycotts etc do not work here. Tsvangrai and MDC were utterly wrong to boycott the run off. Tsvangirai and MDC should know that this is Africa. As for us the majority of Zimbabweans, we deserve what we have gotten from ZANU (PF). We are too proud of ourselves and spineless. We have let down SADC, AU, UN, MDC and Tsvangirai and even ZANU (PF) moderates. We are too sheepish. We think other Nations can help us without ourselves doing anything. We shall suffer a lot. Let's all turn to God and pray. We are like the biblical chiIdren of Israel who could not do anything without the help of God. Even one Philistine (Goliath a.k.a Mugabe)could intimidate the whole army of Israel (Zimbabwe). We pray for a David to arise from among us.

Rethink and rephrase your western theological mentality. Mugabe is no Goliath and Zimbabwe is not Israel. You demonize your own leaders trying to please the west shame on you all - especially Nelson Mandela, and that blood sucking vimper from Kenya Odinga. For you theologian what happened to historical-context in your criticism of Mugabe. Remember Lancster House.

CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE WIN WE ARE NOW WAITING FOR THE CHANGE OF ECONOMY . REVAMB THE COUNTRIES ECONOMY BY INCREASING NIGERIAN POPULATIONS ,GHANA, SOUTHAFRICA ,INDIA, SOUDI ARABIA, AND CHINA ,AND JAPAN,

Just above the 'control' key at the bottom left of your keyboard, I think you'll find an upward arrow/shift key, above this is a 'Caps Lock' key. You may want to try depressing it once and seeing the results. ;-)

Mwnuko, I agree with your article that we Zimbabweans are to blame for the mess we find ourselves and we are a proud batch. Right now it is becoming foolish pride and Zimbabwe will not get better. When you drive from South Africa thru Botswana, you can see what kinds of buildings are taking place in those countries. While there is nothing in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has let down SADC. I’m beginning to think that xenophobia will rear its head again in SA and the rest of the neighboring states, because of the arrogance of Robert Mugabe.

As for national Unity gov’t, Tsvangirai will either be killed or relegated to making coffee for zanu-pf big wigs. They will isolate him and buy his followers thru incentives like farms etc and he will end up without any followers. Maybe he is better off remaining as an opposition leader at this time.

Phiri, well said.

Well said Phiri. There can never be a properly functioning GNU in Zimbabwe; the sides are too far apart and too much blood has been shed to allow that to happen. In any event; Mugabe would have to be removed from any GNU before economic assistance would become available to the country and I do not see anyone inside Zanu-pf who will step up to that task at present. A transitional government is the only way forward, with fresh elections to be held within 6 months of that government being formed.

The question I ask myself is whether Morgan Tsvangerai will have to fall on his sword politically and allow someone new in the MDC to take the reins in the transitional government. The removal of both Mugabe and Tsvangerai may provide the necessary impetus for the current deadlock to be broken. It would be sad if this were the case, as Morgan Tsvangerai has, through his courage and determination, shown himself to be a tremendous servant of Zimbabwe; a true patriot. However, it would be a small price to pay if it means that Mugabe's boot is removed the throats of long suffering Zimbabweans.