Well said but to LATE if you see the defense some people put into defending the OLD BOYS of Africa there is no HOPE for Africa. Africa's People are so brainwashed by communist ideology and capatilist ideology they dont have any rulers or aspirant rulers who think of what is best for there country,s .Building up their agriculture base, building roads and power stations ,factorys to convert the raw materials to products to export. But there is a constant blame blame blame, on anybody , else but themselves. The Chinese and Asians are also here to rape the re- sources and they support the DESPOTS by giving them arms and ammunition to rule forever. Then there is the RACIST AFRICANS whose racist remarks are never discussed at all, so tell me IS IT "BACK TO THE FUTURE" for Africa

Deonboth, There is hope in africa if you look else, other than Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is not Africa nor is it representative of the entire 54 independent countries. Your statement is hyperpolic that focuses too much on Zimbabwe and not progress else in Africa

Excellent comment, and almost an exact inventory of what Zimbabwe had when Mugabe took power, unfortunately the inexperienced and unskilled people he put in place ran them into the ground.

Are you an African? l doubt it! You are so detarched and patronising and you sound very missionary. A missionary start from the premise that he is the only one who is enlightened and the rest have to submit to him if they want to be saved. A good missionary keeps on changing the goals. You have no respect for Africans and what little dignity they have ... How dare you compare us to Europeans? Was Europe abused and exploited by by Africans? Do you know what it means to have no power over events controlling your life? Are you aware that is the ordinary person who suffers from sanctions imposed on a country? You dont care beause the end justifies the means. Let go of Africa Dr Davi Livingstone !!!

Just for information here, the sanctions that are being talked about are not being imposed against Zimbabwe, they are being imposed against the personal assets and travel of the ZANU heirachy outside the borders of the country. The only realistic way that this form of sanction can harm anyone else is if the ones affected steal further from Zimbabwe to fund their extravagant lifestyles, which again places the problem directly in their hands.

Tadios Chisango - 2007

"The so-called targeted sanctions

While we celebrate that Zanu PF "fat cats" are reeling under the effects of the so-called targeted sanctions, they in fact have a broad side-effect on the economy. Who wants to do business with a people whose Government is treated like dare-devils by both the USA and the EU? Again, it's a matter of depleting our national goodwill. While the EU and the USA claim there are no trade sanctions on Zimbabwe (which I have disputed above anyway) is it not necessary for the trade minister of Zimbabwe to meet his British counterpart once in a while, or any other business people in Britain and the rest of the EU, the USA, or in Australia, New Zealand and Canada? Does this have a null effect on Zimbabwe's business capacity and on its business relations with the above countries and in fact the rest of the world? We would only be very naïve to believe the opposite. In addition, some of the Zanu PF officials, no matter that we may not like them, own businesses that contribute to the GDP of the country.

Did we not become a bit perturbed the other day when the father of Prince Charles of Britain's son's girlfriend, who runs conservancies in Zimbabwe, had to defend himself on the charges by the West that his businesses dealings help sustain the "Mugabe Regime?" The man lives in Zimbabwe and is not supposed to have business links which are deemed by the West to prop the Mugabe regime? My foot! This gives us a "privileged view" into the devilish intents of the West on Zimbabwe in general, and the Zimbabweans whose livelihoods depend upon Charles Davey's operations. More recently, the Western sponsored International Crisis Group, advocated for the addition of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's Governor to the targeted sanctions list. I am not naïve enough to believe that this would affect Gono as an individual, with zero effect on the Reserve Bank's activities. And somebody would have me believe that the Reserve Bank is part of Mugabe's regime, and not part of the Zimbabwean economy."

yet another cut and paste comment by you dLoser. When are you going to come up with your own stuff?

"African" in itself should not be the yardstick against which one should judge the writings of others! How many crimes have dictators not committed while hiding behind Africanism?

There are bad and good elements in every nation and continent. As human beings, we should follow our instinct of piecing things together intelligently for the benefit of the majority while avoiding to bulldoze the feelings of the minorities.

There are opportunists everywhere, Zimbabwe is no exception! There will always be intellectual "prostitutes" singing the praise of human monsters like the maverick Mugabe.

It is obvious that the writer of this article has never been to Zimbabwe and hence he is ill informaed about the situation in Zimbabwe. If the international Community believes in the rule of law, it must therefore get a legal opinion on the watershed elections of March 29 and June 27. At the request of the MDC the Consitunal Ammendment No 18b brought in this requirement that a winner must get 50% plus one vote. We all agree that there was no winner on March 29 since none of the candidates got the rquired votes in terms of the constitution hence the run off. Tvangirai withdrew from the runoff 5 days before polling and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ruled that it was not constitunally correct for him to withdraw from the polls in the time frame. June 27 was therefore not a one man vote but a two way race according to our constitution. If he had withdrawn in time, President Mugabe would still have been declared a winner. Which law is Britain and US using to pronounce that Tvangirayi should be delacred a winner based on the March 29 vote when the constitution clearly shows that a run-off was required? I beleive in our President RG Mugabe we must think Zimbabwean at all times.

Kufahakurotwi its true "you are dead as your name suggest, which Mugabe do you believe in the best before 1990 or the the raving and ranting old man of present?????

Baba, you did not answer my questions, I asked on what basis does the so called International Community what Tsvangirayi declared the winner when we all agree that a run-off was necessary and the Tsvangirayi withdrew only five days before polling. The constituation states that in the event of a withdrawal, the remaining candidate is declared a winner. So we cannot go back to March 29 hence MDC should swallow their pride and accept a GNU under the duly elected President R G Mugabe. Let us respect the rule of law at all times not only when it suits the three Bees Bush, Blair and Brown

Baba, you did not answer my questions, I asked on what basis does the so called International Community what Tsvangirayi declared the winner when we all agree that a run-off was necessary and the Tsvangirayi withdrew only five days before polling. The constituation states that in the event of a withdrawal, the remaining candidate is declared a winner. So we cannot go back to March 29 hence MDC should swallow their pride and accept a GNU under the duly elected President R G Mugabe. Let us respect the rule of law at all times not only when it suits the three Bees Bush, Blair and Brown

Since you were not given an answer that you find suitable, I'll make the reply that you were obviously eagerly awaiting.

ok, you talk about the rule of law when applied to these elections, yet you missed out the fact that within the rule of law the results to the first election were delayed beyond the legal deadline by ZANU and the ZEC, which gave plenty of time for the vote rigging that has become the trademark of the Mugabe regime, and makes the first round results highly suspicious. And then we get to the fact that I'm pretty damn certain intimidation and suppression of the opposition parties, including suppressing their right to campaign on an equal footing (and killing their members) is not the sort of tactic that is or should be allowed under the rule of law.

Also under the rule of law, the deadline for announcing the run-off was also overrun, which meant that regardless of whether or not MT pulled out, he would have been too late from the start.

Then we get to the part where Mugabe said that he would not relinquish power even if he lost, real respect for the rule of law there too ..... oh yes, the famous speech he made stating that there would be war if he lost too. Or are these things inconsequential, because Bob said them is it alright?

Face it, Mugabe kept his presidency through theft, lies, fraud, trampling the good people of Zimbabwe and imposing his own wants on the 'rule of law' you so willingly praise. ZANU do indeed follow the rule of law, but only when it suits them ..... no party or man should be above it, and that is exactly the opposite of what Mugabe has shown he believes with the blatant disregard for human rights and life that has marked his tenure as President.

The question still remains unanswered. I am writting from an informed point of view since I live in this beautiful Country and witnessed events as they unfolded. The delay in announcing the results was due to the verification process that took longer than expected due to discovery that some election officials had been bribed to understate Mr Mugabe's votes. The level of cheating on behalf of the MDC was unbeleavable and NGO's such as ZESN campaigned for MDC under the disguise of voter education. The violence was committed by both parties as the MDC also participated in killing ZANU PF supporters. CNN, BBC and other western media only report the numbers of MDC supporters' How about ZANU PF supporters who were killed by the MDC DRC's. The fact still remains that RG Mugabe was elected constitutional and won June 27 elections with 85% percent in terms of the Rule of Law. The last elections in Ethopia took three months to be announced and the west accepted the outcome?

You really are in a state of denial arent you. The fact still remains that the run off election 'won' by Mugabe was not free nor fair, with the MDC not competing due to its voters being beaten and murdered. Even the AU and SADC have stated that they do not believe that it was free or fair.

I ask you the question, if Mugabe has won the election legitimately, why is he now negotiating with the MDC to give them some power? Afterall, the MDC are puppets of the west, according to Mugabe, so why does Mugabe now want to give the puppets of the west some power? I'll tell you why, because by negotiating, he is admitting that the election result was illegitimate, and for him to retain power and be seen to be legitimate, he needs to include the MDC in his government.

You have stated many lies in your post, with no evidence at all. You say that the level of cheating by the MDC was unbelievable. You should make up such lies without evidence. And its funny how no one has been charged with bribing the election officials isnt it. Obviously no substance to your post their either. So basically you have lied to us all and tried to pass it off as truth. You are clearly on the Mugabe pay roll and are as detached from reality as he is.

Grow a brain!

The original question was on the subject of the 'rule of law', yet you have skirted the point that Mugabe and ZANU categorically stated that they would not relinquish power, as an X on a ballot paper could not beat a gun, therefore proving that ZANU have no respect for the rule of law itself.

Also the delay in results (verification) was witnessed on the ground as due to recounts where ZANU officials and police were seen stuffing ballots, so rather than the bribery that you claim went on from MDC, and given the way the election ran I do not actually disbelieve you, I think the more likely scenario as taken from witnesses in country (no doubt some will claim that they were all 'western stooge MDC supporters') is that the result was swung towards ZANU by officials in the recounts.

Also the June 27th run off was marred by the arrest of MDC officials and the fact that they were denied access to the basic resources to campaign ..... or was this another 'same old western plot' to discredit Mugabe too?

Interesting to see that when your question is answered you refuse the answer and claim it remains open, yet when the counterpoint is put to you, you stay silent.

Sorry I had gone away to celebrate President Mugabe's victory in the June 27 Elections. We slaughterred some ten mombes and the party was on for a good two days. It is clear from your comments that you do not stay in Zimbabwe and hence you base your analysis on CNN and the BBC. The results posted on the polling stations on March 29 showed that there was no ouright winner as required by the the Zimbabwe Constitution. Even the MDC no longer dispute this fact hence their initial agreement to go for a run-off. My point is pulling out of the run-off means that your opponent is then declared the winner. This means that President Mugabe is the legitimate President of Zimbabwe. Agreeing to the talks shows that President Mugabe is a principled leader par excellence and is keen to unite the Zimbabwean people as he did in 1987 with father Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo. So in terms of the Rule of Law President Mugabe will be in charge for the next five years, see you in 2013!!

Given the way Mugabe is managing the economy, I'd hate to think what state Zimbabwe will be in in 5 years time. Guess it shows what sort of person you are, celebrating the deaths of over 100 of your fellow countrymen at the hands of Mugabe's Zanu PF party to keep Mugabe in power. Take a look in the mirror buddy, see what sort of person you are eh.

Further to that, you should educate yourself that the CNN and BBC are not the only news agencies with web pages. Look at All Africa for example. Basics my friend basics. As for Mugabe being 'legitimate' well, if you truely believe the poeple of Zim are behind Mugabe, then why all the violence? Quite obvious to the 'unbrainwashed by the herald' but I suspect a lot more difficult for you. And did you enjoy the celebrations? I hear MDC supporters in townships were forced to pay for them... Great country Zim, Great country. Lets hope Mugabe, the butcher of Harare, has long retired or died to save Africa from another disgrace is 5 years time.

In the March 29 election which you say was proclaimed free and fair, 43% of the Zimbabwean population voted for President RG Mugabe and only a 4% margin against Tsvangirayi. Independent Observers such as ZESN which in fact campaigned for MDC did not dispute the fact that MDC did not get the required 50 plus one vote. So lets agree that there was no winner on March 29. Do you agree with the fact that except for the MDC there was no independent observers who claimed that MDC had won the 50 plus one vote required by the constitution. It is therefore clear that by pulling out of the rerun, the constitution allows for the remaining candidate to be declared a winner. Do you dispute this fact before we discuss the rerun?

Lets just say there was only a 4% margin with Tsvangarai having the majority of the votes. This also shows that, out of the votes cast for Mugabe, and for Tsvangarai, Tsvangarai had 52% of these votes, with Mugabe only 48%.

But, as you say, constitutionally, a re-run must occur. Fair enough. The constitution also says that this re-run must be within 3 weeks of the election. Not 3 weeks of when the election results were released, but within 3 weeks of the election. So one could argue that the re-run was itself unconstitutional and therefore its outcome unconstitutional.

But lets forget that for one second. You can be as beaurocratic with your consitution as you like, but at the end of the day, the MDC was unable to campaign freely or fairly.

Everyone knows this and accepts this.

People were unable to vote freely or fairly due to murders and mass intimidation.

Everyone knows this and accepts this. Police and Military were forced to vote for Mugabe.

Everyone knows this and accepts this.

So I ask you, how can a vote under these conditions be valid? The SADC, AU and UN all agree the election was not free or fair. So therefore the election is not an expression of the will of the people. The result on paper, as you clearly point out, which I accept, shows that Mugabe is president. But the result is clearly not a democratic reflection of the will of the people.

And that my friend is what is important here. And this very point is the issue of concern to so many.

Now before you get carried away... I suggest you have a read of this...

http://article.wn.com/view/2008/07/27/Mugabe_faces_prosecution_if_he_wont_q uit/

And to answer your question on what basis Tsvangarai should be President, its quite obvious to the whole world, apart from Mugabe and his dimwitted followers that the will of the people is clearly behind Tsvangarai. This was clear from the result of the first election. The only reason that Mugabe won the run off is purely because he tortured, murdered and beat his own people to vote for him. And thats not counting the police and military being forced to vote for Mugabe. And not counting the police banning the MDC from campaigning freely. And not counting denying the poor people of Zimbabwe aid so they are forced to vote for Mugabe. All of this was observed by the SADC and the AU who stated that the election was NOT free nor fair. So the only fair reflection of the will of the people is taken from the first election, where Mugabe was clearly a distant second. And whats more, the delay in getting the vote counted points towards mugabe rigging it in his favour, after the tally from results posted on the day at individual polling stations clearly gave the MDC-T a result above 50%. So you can try and convince yourself as much as you like that Mugabe should be president, but it is clear to any educated person that the reality of the situation is that he shouldnt.

From what I've read, more then 120 MDC supporters have been confirmed killed, several thousand have disappeared and are also probably dead, and at least a couple of hundred thousand have lost their homes and possessions and have nowhere to go to.

On the ZANU-PF side, I've only read about 5 or 6 supporters who have been killed, and it usually was in revenge after the victim had previously killed or tortured MDC supporters. Even the Harald has barely mentioned violence against ZANU-PF.

I've never read of a single incident where a ZANU-PF supporter lost anything. No ZANU homes burnt to the ground, no ZANU women raped, no ZANU cars or cattle stolen, no ZANU factories firebombed.

So how can you ever pretend that both are equally guilty of violence, especially when the violence against MDC was so targeted. It's awfully curious that most of those that were attacked were either poll watchers, or MDC organization workers, and yet all of the ZANU fatalities were thugs who just pushed people too far.

You are basing your commets on what you have read in the biased western news agencies. I am presenting my facts on first hand information from relatives and freinds who were caught up in the violence. There are ZANU-PF homes that were torched to the ground, there are ZANU-PF supporters who were killed. Dont get me wrong I do not condone violence. Having been a freedom fighter myself, I know how painfull it is to lose your freinds and collegues in a war situation when refugees and children were bombed by Ian Douglas Smith at Nyadzonya and Chimoio. This violence was unneccessary and could have been prevented. The MDC rally that was supposed to have happened on the 22nd of July was infact disturbed by hired thugs who were given ZANU-PF T- shirts and if you watch carefully the clip on CNN and BBC it shows these thugs just running around aimlessly and does not show the actual bitting of the people who wanted to attend the rally. It was stage managed by those who wanted to discredit the elections and is not true that this is the day that MDC decided to pull out of the elections and yet they had been campaigning all along. We must think Zimbawean

and let me guess... the jews were responsible for 9-11, the moon landing was faked, and Elvis was on the grassy knoll?

You must remember that the MDC (probably surprisingly to themselves) had a clear majority over Mugabe in the initial election. So presumably, on the same playing field, with the same rules, they would have been happy to keep things the way they were and proceed with the run off election. Hence, why try and sabotage the election with violence? They had it in the bag. They had nothing to gain.

The only people that had something to gain, was mugabe and his cronies. By changing the playing field to one of murder, mass intimidation and torture, they were able to sway voters in their direction and win the run off. You can make up stories all you like about the MDC creating all the violence, but if you believe this, elvis really must have been on that grassy knoll!

aka..the only thug with no repect for the dignity of africans is that horrid little man with the hitler tache who has stripped the country of all its wealth that its citizens are having to scavenge for food on a daily basis. ian smith never done this to the black folk. he was a true great leader...not the thug in power now!!

From the first line of the article: 'The recent swearing-in of Robert Mugabe as the President of Zimbabwe for the sixth time has elicited near global condemnation and we align with those condemning the aberration'.....it's about then I stopped reading; there was no "near-global condemnanation". The article begins with a falsehood.

What are you implying Selector, that the 1.325 billion China, 1.135 billion India, and 3+ billion "other' should be included in the "near-global/whole world" equation? What is the next thing you'll be advocating, that small (and large) African countries have a right to own and control their own resources. Where does it end? :o)

What are you implying..., that the 1.325 billion China, 1.135 billion India, and 3+ billion "other' should be included in the "near-global/whole world" equation? What is the next thing you'll be advocating, that small (and large) African countries have a right to own and control their own resources. Where does it end? :o)

djoser, friend... are you taking prescribed medication? Perish the thought!! :-) :-)

It is inspiring to witness the alternative and ever volumous voices of those amongst us, uniting in support of Zimbabwe as we demand from those who would defame Zimbabwe that they explain themseves at every turn instead of spreading their lies, as they've done in the past, pretty much unchallenged.

"djoser, friend... are you taking prescribed medication? Perish the thought!! :-) :-)"

Every day, my knowledgeable friend! Usually straight, no chaser! :0)

Firstly people have to understand and realize that members of the mafia styled group called G8 do not make up the world. That is the reason why they yielded nothing from the G8 summit that was recently held in Japan. UN failed to impose sanctions on Zim as was decided by G8. China rejected the halving of carbon emissions that the G8 group wanted to dictate on them. US themselves has reversed their intended military action on Iran that they had vowed during the G8 summit. This came after a massive display of the Iranian muscle last week when they tested their missiles. Its clear that the Americans have lost control over world affairs. Their politics is now characterized by a series of failures. So i fail to understand when people say Zimbabwe has faced global condemnation. Zim is facing condemnation by members of the drowning G8 boat. In actual fact there are some within them like Russia who have they support behind Mugabe back.

haha massive display of Iranian muscle, what missiles that compare to the superpowers ones built 40 years ago. Iran is like an ant mound to the superpowers with an insane ruling body. This is why Iran said it would terrorist attack targets and never mention going to war.Iran has a very inferior military in both hardware and training, have a look for yourself at what it has and you will see its old technology and not very reliable.

I always find Iran's comments to the world very funny{better than a comic strip},its like a 2 year old child trying to take on a world champion boxer!haha

Well you might want to consider that Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson who was at the time the "baddest dude on the planet". Also, your assessment of Iran's military capabilities is somewhat dated. They've got some stuff that wasn't even dreamed of 40 years ago. In fact it seems that someone in the West has checked out their military capabilities and that's why we see "can we talk" proposals being floated.

And of course you assume, because you make everyone who happens to be in the west out to be a complete demon, racist, greedy, colonialist monster, that this could have nothing to do with the political idiots covering their backs by actually listening to their electorates in the wake of the unpopular Iraq scenarios?

And as you tar everyone in the west this way, that makes you yourself a bigot and a racist yourself. Read some of akapfundes posts when he is involved in a discussion and not the ones where the flame wars start up ..... you might learn something about having a progressive attitude rather than passing the strict ZANU party line as original thought.

drivel

Their are two phrases that instantly stops me from reading an article . They are “Global”, and “the international community “ It is similar to the cloaking terms “White People, Black people, Asian People” Indian” Whenever these terms are used it is saying I do not know enough about the topic or I am choosing deliberately conceal the truth ,so I will cloak it with the above terms How many countries makes up the global community ?“ Do they all disagree with Mr Mugabe ? I am statistical saying most none European Nations, and Eastern Europeans nations Agrees with Mr Mugabe in principle However two groups won't, They are the old European colonial masters and their off springs nations,(at the cost of millions of lives and countless small nations) and those spineless minion nations who are indebted to them. So please be specific and stop hiding behind cloaked phrases. Please Educate yourself in the intrigues of international political power plays before you attack Mr Mugabe, he won a physical war to reclaim his Nation and its assets, now he is fighting an economic war to free his people. Be patient my friend

goodanalysis (Addendum)

Yes you are right about racist Russia and Racist China I am guessing they did not lynch you or you African friends , or round you up and use you in their labs as test subjects or using you for contemptible farm laborers. Were they the ones who hauled your people off in chains to slavery Did they come to you country and treated you less than human beings, stole you lands assaulted your culture destroyed your Gods, Did they used Psychological warfare to teach you how to be sub servant to them to hate yourself and you fellow Africans Did they knowingly create and administer Banking systems that ensnared developing countries in economic servitude where by leaving nothing on the table for them to educate their peoples or build economic structures for their people. Did they knowingly create and administer –The Exportation of their Subsides farming products knowing full well the devastation it would reek on that nations farming community. Were these countries allowed alternatives NO !!! it was done at trade and economic gun point, or whitemail, (modern type of coercion ) Were all these loving deeds done by China and Russia to your country and its people One Love my brother

Excellent, Kingswood! You're good, like Selector, exceptionally good!

This article demonstrates total ignorance of world politics, real African politics and the facts and reality in Zimbabwe. The seeming or apparent global condemnation is a function of the spread of GLOBAL PROPAGANDA by the US and Britain and it is for those who can read between the lines or rather decipher facts from powerful fiction that can avoid being made completely gullible. THE ARTICLE DEMONSTRATE OUTRIGHT GULLIBILITY!

This article is an excellent summary of what has happened to Mugabe's Zimbabwe. Anybody who thinks otherwise is either Mugabe's henchman or henchwoman or is delusionally psychotic. This is about Zimbabwe: and friends of Zimbabwe and all those world citizens who wish Zimbabwe well are more than glad that the condemnations are coming not only from the majority of the G8 members but also with equal vehemence from members of AU, UN and SADC. If anybody doesn't see this as a near global condemnation then on which planet do they live ? The politicking within these organizations nothwithstanding a case has been resounding made that Mugabe has destroyed Zimbabwe socially, economically, and politically. It has gone from a bread basket state to a basket case state; all under Mugabe's ignominious rule. All well meaning Africans and world citizens are rightly and should be outraged. This senile and apparently mentally sick - for wishing the Zambian president ill during his heart attack, old man should have been gotten rid off long time. This is a classic and a text book case of what is wrong with a president overstaying in the office. Xenophobic countries like Russia (failed super power) and China (wannabe supper power) could care less about what happens to and in Zimbabwe. Any Africans out there: you thinks the west is racist try living in Moscow or Beijing.

Goodanalysis Yes you are right about racist Russia and Racist China I am guessing they did not lynch you or you African friends , or round you up and use you in their labs as test subjects or using you for contemptible farm laborers. Were they the ones who hauled your people off in chains to slavery Did they come to you country and treated you less than human beings, stole you lands assaulted your culture destroyed your Gods, Did they used Psychological warfare to teach you how to be sub servant to them to hate yourself and you fellow Africans One Love my brother

you could feed half of africa with that huge chip thats on your shoulder!