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Whether idealists glorify Mugabe or not the guy would remain a ruthless dictator who wants to hang onto power at whatever cost.
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The Zimbabwean crisis has nothing to do with the redistribution of land or empowering blacks.
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The only empowerment Mugabe has given to blacks is to teach them violence and how to murder each other.
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As we talk right now government is in possession of 80% of the land, only a handful of whites remain with land.
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The guy is simply politicking using land.
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It pains me to hear someone in Europe or America or the multitudes of economic refugees who fled Africa, instead of developing it, say Mugabe is a great leader.
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What message do they have for the hundreds of people raped by Mugabe's terror militia, hundreds more killed in ongoing violence, opposition supporters displaced by Mugabe's violence or innocent citizens, citizens who had homes burnt down for refusing to support Mugabe's tyranny. [ show full text ]
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Lucky Moyo, Bulawayo Zimbabwe 20 Mar 2002
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Perhaps the Western world should leave Africa to their own rules and manner of leadership? But, to do this will result in a larger exodus of Africans to the Western countries where they can have all the things that are denied them living under these rules. Why is it then that the West does and should pay attention?
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Africa costs taxpayers of non-African nations countless billion dollars of aid money which one way or the other only feathers the nests of these dictatorial leaders and deprives their people of basic needs.
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Africa blames the colonialists for everything. This only shows that they will take blame for nothing!
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Africa claims to be the perfect society that is only infected by the disease of human dignity upheld in the west. [ show full text ]
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Winston, Massachusetts, USA 20 Mar 2002
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The election was not free and fair. Evidence to support this is quite overwhelming, despite the fact that ZANU did its best to cloud the issues and take advantage of solidarity among ageing African autocrats.
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The country has been destroyed by the greed and corruption of ZANU and its bandwagon. The MDC may not be the salvation from drowning, but it is the only life-raft available while the country heals itself to swim again.
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ZANU keeps using the sovereign argument. No one is oppressing Zimbabwe but ZANU itself. It is ZANU that the world and people of Zimbabwe are against, not Zimbabwe the country. ZANU needs to rid itself of the notion that it is Zimbabwe. It is only a group of opportunists masquerading as leaders, and if their own pride does not compel them out of office, the suffering of their fellow countrymen should.. [ show full text ]
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Informed Zimbabwean, Harare 20 Mar 2002
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Elections are all about issues. Mugabe picked the land issue and he won the election. But why make an issue out of an election in Zimbabwe? Simply because the white minority in Zimbabwe lost, which is normal for any election.
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Ever since the election is Zimbabwe I know that freedom of press does not exist. The BBC was absolutely the spokesperson for the British Government.
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The simplest solution to the Zimbabwean problem is to solve the land problem for the majority and not sanctions. Sanctions should be considered a shame to civilization. If Britain or America are morally fit to condemn Zimbabwe’s election, why are they letting Israelis killing Arabs daily, why did they support murderers like Savimbi until his death? If God exists, the whites race will not see him including the Pope. [ show full text ]
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Lutemi Kimbunga, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 20 Mar 2002
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I am personally hurt by the pain and suffering that our parents went through, fighting for the liberation of our countries. Many lives have been sacrificed. At this moment, I think most of the anti-colonialism wars have been fought and won, and now the fighting has to shift to economic development.
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It should be faced in the same spirit as the anti-colonialism war, we shouldn't ask for the West to sympathize with us, but we should challenge them through our own economic strategies as we did with the other wars. They always think we are at their mercy.
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We shouldn't fight to prove them wrong, but to develop ourselves and improve our lives, to keep up the African culture so that the young generation becomes proud of it as they grow up. [ show full text ]
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Sipho, Mamelodi, Gauteng, South Africa 20 Mar 2002
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I am deeply disappointed at the draconian rules concocted by Mugabe and his cohorts to ensure and assure his re-election into office, and the massive rigging of the just concluded elections which, by any stretch of imagination, cannot be described as free and fair.
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When Robert Mugabe led his people to independence from colonial rule, that was a moment of pride. I cannot, in good conscience, say the same thing at this time. Methinks that Robert Mugabe is a disgrace to himself considering his old age (certainly the words of our elders in this case do not breed wisdom), to Zimbabwe -- the country he initially fought for (now he fights for his selfish old self), and a disgrace to African struggle for democracy. [ show full text ]
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Luther Ajim, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA 20 Mar 2002
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The Western world does owe a lot to the third world countries. Their economic situation now is due to the colonies they had and they still have. The imposition of the sanctions on Zimbabwe is just one way of gaining on the claims of trying to help the situation. They should try to save the economy instead of directing it towards the sea. It is like the whole of Zimbabwe is going to suffer just because of one single person. Come on guys, try to reason and look at the situation from different points of view and not only as Mugabe and Zimbabwe.....
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Dick, Utrecht 20 Mar 2002
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I fully approve of Mugabe's land redistribution programme, but I totally resent the manner in which this programme is being handled. It is clear that this was propaganda prior to the presidential elections. Now that he has won the elections that ZANU-PF has rigged, the civil society and the poor white farmers shall suffer. As a Zimbabwean citizen I am sick and tired of what has been said of my country. All that has been said in the media is true, so I don't understand why people outside my country praise the "devil" for winning the elections. My fellow citizens are starving, killed and the economy is deteriorating. It is up to us Zimbabweans to change the political milieu in our country. If it means war to topple Mugabe's government so be it. [ show full text ]
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Dapiwa Murewa, South Africa 20 Mar 2002
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I am not from Zimbabwe but I have family and many good friends who live in Zimbabwe.
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I am also familiar with that great country which sadly has been systematically led to the dogs by one Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the angel of death. He is the worst thing that country could have had.
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Zimbabweans are among the nicest, peace-loving people on the African continent. They do not deserve this madman's punishment.
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I won't dwell on the fairness (or lack of it) of the elections. They were a farce, and anyway many clear thinking Africans who have no personal agendas have already poured enough scorn on it.
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Mugabe must do the right thing and do it now. He is a murderous psychopath whose only supporters are those who have benefited from his graft and continue to live a la Mobutu. Those of you who are Africans blinded by racism towards whites because you are forever carrying a chip on your shoulders should "bow your heads in shame" to quote the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu for were it not for such blind adulation and idealistic admiration of a despot Mugabe would not feel the majority of Africans support him. [ show full text ]
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Ed Ndovi ,MD, Edmonton, Canada 20 Mar 2002
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More than 20 years ago men and women of Zimbabwe went to the bush to fight for their liberation. 10 years ago proud Zimbabweans told me about the 2nd Chimurenga.
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Now I see Zimbabwe on her knees. But there is something that gives me hope for a brighter future for this country. It's the people that I remember, the people you just can't divide into urban and rural voters (how can you divide father and son, brother and sister), it's the people who want a just, non-violent and fair land reform and who won't allow their freedom to be taken away by whoever wants to take them.
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Zimbabweans don't need observers. They don't need politicians who only see their own power and wealth. Zimbabweans need Zimbabweans to work together NOW. Naive? No, it worked before! And to people like Adebe (interesting comment) I say: Start looking behind faces, and you won't see different skin colours anymore. Ishe komborera Zimbabwe! [ show full text ]
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Porkristl, Karlsruhe, Germany 20 Mar 2002
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Let’s say, it is true Mugabe rigged election, yes that is wrong.
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Let’s say African observers who were there from the start to the end of election have been telling lies about the election being free and fair just to protect their own kind and that the Western media which had already judged the election before it was conducted, are right. By the way why did they have to conduct this election if the results were already known?
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And why all the fuss and noise about Mugabe? He is not a dictator. BBC began calling him a dictator after he started land redistribution scheme and the BBC and other media have to defend their own by calling names!
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Recently, there has been an election in Madagascar- it was all chaos. No country has said anything about it. Almost every two years there are troubles in the Comoros, but no noise is coming from the West. The leaders of Togo, Egypt, Cameroon (also a member of Commonwealth) will quit only after they die. Brother Museveni rigged his election and made the opposition candidate flee the country after his life was threatened. Paul Kagame has blood on his hands for the assassination of Habyarimana and even now he and Museveni are looting diamonds in Congo. The West is not making any noise. One thing is clear, in all countries where the West is not concerned, there are insignificant numbers of their own kind, our kind is killing our kind and that is OK for the Western democracy. In Zimbabwe, their kind hold a British passport and they are actually British citizens and their lives and their land have to be protected. [ show full text ]
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Jilisa Mwalilino, Hangzhou, China 19 Mar 2002
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God Bless Zimbabwe and God Bless Africa:
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I believe the elections in Zimbabwe were free and fair considering the situation on the ground. Mugabe was under intense pressure by both the western media and their political leader. I really do not think Mugabe is the best leader for Zimbabwe, but I just found out that Morgan T. is only semi-literate... he's only a high school graduate, no wonder Blair is doing his campaigning for him.
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Lamin Touray, Gambia 19 Mar 2002
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Do my black brothers and sisters really believe that this election was about land? Do you really think that Mugabe's so-called victory is a victory for land reform?
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Look at who is getting this "redistributed" land: ZANU-PF officials, not the poor man.
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This election was about Mugabe staying in power at all costs, and if you think that it is a victory for Africa, then we should probably have kept Sani Abacha of Nigeria and Idi Amin of Uganda.
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Stefan Brand, Orlando, FL USA 19 Mar 2002
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The fate that befell Ian Smith's Rhodesia in the mid-1960s has now befallen Mugabe's Zimbabwe which, as of Tuesday, is suspended from the Commonwealth. The question as to whether or not the election was free and fair is now moot and irrelevant.
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The European Union and the United States have slammed punitive sanctions on ZANU-PF leaders. There is no food (sadza ne muriwo ne nyama) and the Minister of Agriculture is said to be on his way out being sacked from the new cabinent-in-the-making. A terrible drought is in the horizon and the good Lord is not being kind anymore. There are no jobs for able-bodied people to do and earn a living. There is no foreign currency to import essential needs. Inflation is out of control. HIV/AIDS is killing and orphaning thousands. Meanwhile, ZCTU starts a nationwide strike on Wednesday and the government dismisses the stayaways as of no consequence. [ show full text ]
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Kofi Akwabi-Ameyaw, Turlock, California, USA 19 Mar 2002
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Zimbabwe has been accorded the necessary honour of making Western headlines for 1 - 2 days. The West has done it's duty in judging and are now moving on to the Middle East. To all the Zimbabweans who have been attacked, robbed, raped and abused - we heard your plea, but alas, there were too many other matters to attend to. Apart from my prayers (that are very sincere), I hope that you realize that the rest of the world cannot help you. I really hoped that they would... Please help yourselves.
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1 nite stand, SA 19 Mar 2002
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Yes, many people blame the West especially Europe for the grave problems we face in Africa today. I have to agree with reservations. To choose to be a dictator is not European influence. Neither is to choose to cling to power. What I would like to say is that African leaders choose to be what they are today and what they want to show the world as to what shape they want Africa to be in.
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The elections in Zimbabwe had nothing to do with the colonial influence. Tsvangirai is not from Europe. Mugabe has chosen to be a terrorist and dictator for his own interests.
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Mugabe said, "why should the West supervise elections in Africa as if we Africans we go to the Western countries to supervise their elections". These are the words of uncivilised person. [ show full text ]
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Stevin Kamwendo, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 19 Mar 2002
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The truth will always be the truth, regardless of who is says it. Mugabe cheated and that will remain so. The world knows it as such and indeed people of Zimbabwe see him in that light. To say that because GW Bush, the West, the KKK, Sadam Hussein or even the devil himself said it should not change the effect of that statement!
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How will world leaders regard him the next time genuine concerns for Africa come by and he is at the podium? How will he fight for African rights, if he cannot provide for those same rights to his own people?
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Simbarashe Nkala, Atlanta GA, USA 19 Mar 2002
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Mugabe as president. May God save the country
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Lipunda, Canada 19 Mar 2002
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Africa is a very important part of the world economy and has been for centuries. The issue and the reason why much of Africa is mired in poverty is, the African people have never been the beneficiaries of Africa's involvement in the world economy.
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Fair land reform in Zimbabwe will benefit the majority of the local Zimbabweans.
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To the young people who complain about African leaders failing Africa, all I can say is that Africa has had very few African leaders. Most of the so-called "African leaders" of the past 30 years have merely been stooges extending colonial rule.
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Lemont Smith, US 19 Mar 2002
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Finally Zim has been suspended from the Commonwealth. It was long overdue. Mugabe does not have the interest of Zimbabweans at heart. His only interest was his pocket. We as Zimbabweans have to be prepared to pay the price for freedom even if it means sanctions to get rid of Mugabe. As I have written before, those Africans who admire Mugabe can have him free of charge, we are really fed up with him. The West may not really be interested in the welfare of the black people but they are still better than a leader whose pastime is murdering his own countrymen for power. This is not acceptable no matter what his excuse is. Not all of us are consumed with hatred, which Mugabe seems to feed on. [ show full text ]
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John Chemhuru, Bristol, UK 19 Mar 2002
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Wake up Africans. There's so much talk about 'Western influence', 'Western propaganda' and 'Western interest.' Can somebody point, define and declare exactly what that 'interest' is? Can somebody show us where that interest is? Nobody has done that except mention it in passing.
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All I see is Mugabe's influence, Mugabe's propaganda, and Mugabe's interest being served. And yes I can define what that is and where it is. Mugabe wants to turn this into a nation of helpless peasants. The people of Zimbabwe are saying NO to this.
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Let nobody talk about land this time, for Mugabe has in the past 2 years [thru force, murder and lawlessness] already taken over that.
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And what price do we pay for all this? What we see here in Zimbabwe is price increases, rising inflation, high unemployment, queues for almost everything! [ show full text ]
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Robert, Mutare, Zimbabwe 19 Mar 2002
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Is Mugabe destined to rule Zimbabwe for life? I hope his situation doesn't end up like Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Greed is the best word for it. The country needs a new leader and not the same old goat. African leaders need to learn how to say bye at the end of their terms.
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Baba Dudu, Houston, TX, USA 19 Mar 2002
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The election in Zimbabwe was monitored by representatives from around the world. I don’t know how much freer or fairer an election can be.
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The opinions expressed by the various observers have been different, with Western powers leaning towards the ouster of Mr. Robert Mugabe. This carries a smidgen of colonialism with it, don’t you think? The same sin that created division for many people around the world today and not just for Africans. We have become so dependent on the opinion of others that we have failed to realize who we really are. We are being told who should be and who shouldn’t. It’s time to think African, where love for one another is the supreme order of the day. [ show full text ]
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Ben Aku, Canada 19 Mar 2002
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The Government of Zimbabwe is doing exactly what all African nations should do. Take back the land of Africa that has been stolen or otherwise illegally or forcefully occupied by Europeans for more than 500 years!
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The Continent of Africa belongs to the people of Africa and not to European invaders who have a history of murder and theft as they invaded and forcefully occupied lands and territories throughout the world.
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Then when the people of these lands decided to take back what has been stolen from them, the European has the unmitigated gall to say that the people are somehow doing wrong by taking back their own property.
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The European has long suffered from his own God-complex and self-righteously believes that whatever is done by white people is right and they are incapable of wrong. That is as sick a mentality as one can adopt. What is sad is that most Africans also believe this insanity and accept white dominance and feel that Zimbabwe is doing wrong in taking back the land of European aliens who stole the land that they claim as their own. African people must cease this practice of believing that white is right. Africa for the Africans. Wake up Diaspora! [ show full text ]
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Chago Wilson, Detroit, MI - Amerikkka/US 19 Mar 2002
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Zimbabwe and Mugabe have shown the working of a democracy that is mature and progressive, irrespective of a neocolonialistic white Europeans pre and post election smearing campaign of propaganda and insults to the people of Zimbabwe, their leaders, and Africa and Africans in general.
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As a last hope for civilizing the minds of colonial and neo colonial people of white European decent, and particularly their young leaders, the rest of the world has no choice but to isolate them from civil governing.
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Chalam Pajerla, USA 19 Mar 2002
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Mugabe, a dog gone wild!
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Mugabe is part of that band of African old dogs gone wild who continue to cling to power at any cost and means, sucking the country's wealth as a dog would effectively suck the bone till dry like hay, while chanting slogans of liberation for lack of creative leadership. What we need in our entire Mother Land, not just in Zimbabwe, is new blood in leadership, with creative minds, initiative and innovation. Clearly we cannot get this from old dogs. They are outdated, worn out, and have nothing to give no more.
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I don't give a damn who cries foul, whether it is the West or the Rest who says the elections were fraudulent. This is the truth and that is all that matters. Like our own Great Mandela, Mugabe should step down while he still has some sense of honour (though putrefied), before the cup spills over with the last drop. [ show full text ]
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David Mario Matsinhe, Calgary, Canada 19 Mar 2002
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I am appalled at the statements made by the USA regarding the recent elections in Zimbabwe. The USA needs to clean up its own election mess before alluding to its disapproval of Zimbabwe's elections.
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Katherine Phillips, Wichita Falls, Texas USA 19 Mar 2002
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In my view it was like the last US election. They both had confusion of some sort and some people couldn’t vote for some reason.
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Moreover, it was the Western mass media to blame because it had continuously said things that aggravated the situation from the beginning of the campaign. Maybe they thought they were helping the opposition but what they more harmful to the white farmers of Zimbabwe than to President Mugabe.
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Mugabe was eager to win the election and go with the distribution of land, but the leader of the opposition had no idea what he would do for his country. He openly said that everything and everyone who opposes Mugabe is our supporter. Even when asked if sanctions should be imposed on Zimbabwe he said yes. There I understood that he cares only for himself and nobody else. [ show full text ]
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Tekie Habtemichael, Kristianstad, Sweden 19 Mar 2002
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From my own point of view, the Western leaders should mind their own business.
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The election in Zimbabwe, weather free or fair, is okay by me. My belief is that, all elections in any part of the world are never fair. So why should the Western world expect so much from Africa? They are the ones destroying the African leaders, the African people, and the African land.
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Zimbabwe’s election was free and fair.
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Flom, London 19 Mar 2002
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Change for the sake of change is not worthy a vote. What was Mugabe's opponent's agenda anyway? Long live Mugabe until the right substitute is found.
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Emmanuel Lungu, Zambian/Fort Worth, Texas, USA 19 Mar 2002
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It's high time Africa and it's so-called leaders start conducting themselves in civilized manner if it wants the rest of the world to respect its actions. I always tell my friends that Mr. Mandela is the model all African leaders should take their cues from in dealing with their affairs of state. I'm afraid that after the reign of Mr. Mandela in South Africa ended, I gave the country ten more years before it went back to same old African dictatorial system of government.
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Mr. Mugabe is using the power of his office to murder whomever challenges his authority. He killed white farmers saying that he must give farms to black so-called freedom fighters.
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Africa always blames the West for its problems. If the continent can't conduct a simple national election without the world sending in monitors, the whole of Africa is a disgrace. I say, look in the mirror and see where the problems lies, it's right there within. [ show full text ]
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Kashi Korede, Long Beach, California 19 Mar 2002
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African independence and unity has started in March, 2002 in Harare. How long will they last? If Mugabe's Government is accused of selling the DRC's diamonds to the Al Qaeda network, how long do you think it will last?
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Juma Phiri, Libreville, Gabon 19 Mar 2002
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Decisions by the Zimbabwe judicial system, which have not been what the government wanted, have been overruled continuously by the government of Zimbabwe. Why should we expect ZANU PF to allow the elections to be any different? Why were independent electoral observers stopped from monitoring the elections? What was the government afraid of? It is afraid of the will of the people & the law of the land.
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Chris Richards, Adelaide, Australia 19 Mar 2002
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A lot has been said and even more evil done in Zimbabwe. To judge Zimbabwe the simple question is: does Africa want democracy and probably more importantly do they want to be part of a modern world, or do they wish to live in a time gone by?
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If the answer is in the affirmative to the first part of the question then Mugabe must be subject to standards that are attached to a democratic modern world. He has failed and it is up to Africans throughout the continent to learn from his mistake and plan for his removal hopefully through diplomatic channels and not through a revolution, which is an archaic method of change.
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Come on Africa, Mugabe is turning back the clock for Africa and turning it back ten years for every year he continues in Zimbabwe. [ show full text ]
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Malcolm, Vancouver, B.C. 19 Mar 2002
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Response to Obinna Onwumere's comments of March 18.
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Obinna, you obviously know very little about the issue. Mugabe has ruled for 22 years. The country is worse off than it was before independence. The old man is a thieving, despotic ruler who holds his countrymen in far worse contempt than the colonial government ever did. Must Zimbabwe become another African basket case before we kick Mugabe out?
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Think brother, Think.
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Kenny Gozie, Lagos, Nigeria 19 Mar 2002
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The Zimbabwe election was patently unfair. Mugabe returned to his roots as a terrorist. If the surrounding countries consider that a free democratic process took place there, under the banner of "African democracy", then they should be treated in the same way as countries such as North Korea or Iraq. They have the same democratic process.
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It is time that the apologists of this world, acknowledged the fact that the majority of Africa has ruled itself for sufficient time to have established some form of "good governance". That it has failed to do so, is not the fault of past colonial masters. Until Africa understands that democracy does not change to suit a tyrant’s purpose, it will continue on the same downward spiral as at present. [ show full text ]
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Keith Vaughan, Moira, UK 19 Mar 2002
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Africa needs more courageous leaders like President Robert Mugabe. Britain and other Western countries, for too long, have overseen the looting of our continent. There is no need for Africans to go to the IMF or World Bank to seek foreign aid when Africa herself is the richest continent in the whole world.
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No country must dictate to us Africans what democracy is. After all, remember what happened in Florida, USA, where they claim to be the champions of democracy, during the Presidential elections almost a year ago?
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It is great that African leaders are now taking a strong stand against predatory outsiders. African land belongs to the black people of Africa. We must reject all attempts at keeping our people in "reservations" when we have plenty of land currently in the custody of racist and nostalgic European settlers. Africa has been destabilized for too long by outsiders like Britain. We Africans, must now benefit from our numerous resources. Yes, black people are capable of ruling themselves and developing the continent far much better than any outsider. [ show full text ]
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Kabanga Kabanga, Malawi 19 Mar 2002
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It is encouraging to read comments from Africa’s loving brothers. For sure, any African who opposes Mugabe's victory is a blind puppet of the West. How can they fail to see that all that UK wants is to protect the interests of their brothers (the so-called white Zimbabweans)?
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Let them impose sanctions on Zimbabwe provided Zimbabweans have their land. The worst form of sanctions is to deny you the right to your ancestor's land.
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Mugabe, keep it up. We are all behind you.
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Abel Karangwa, Kigali, Rwanda 19 Mar 2002
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Elections in Zimbabwe were free and fair but because the white man didn't want Mugabe to be elected, they are going to continue making noise until they assassinate him the way they did Kabila and many others when they don't follow their dictation from A to Z.
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Mugabe is a President loved by most of the Zimbabwean people but because he has initiated some agriculture reforms which some whites didn't want, the Western media started their usual campaign to have him leave power. Some countries are just following fanatically without having any information from the real citizens of Zimbabwe who voted en masse for Mugabe and they are singing "sanctions, sanctions".
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These sanctions will be "racist" sanctions with the only reason for them being that Mugabe has touched the white man’s farm. Mugabe followers have assassinated a white farmer. How many black people have been massacred by the same whites who Mugabe has forgiven? [ show full text ]
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Kamara, Canada 19 Mar 2002
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I am deeply concerned with the future of Africa especially sub-Saharan Africa, to be specific the SADC Region. Probably I should start by saying that the people of this region have to decide whether to live by freedom or by oppression. The case of the Zimbabwe and the Zambian elections is a clear indication that the people of this region have a long way to freedom. What scares me more is the fact that it looks like, although some sections of this region know what freedom is, they are unable to pursue it--what a shame.
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Why should Mugabe consider himself a hero at the expense of his own people? This is the worst precedence that I can clearly see taking place in the near future in most countries in the SADC region. [ show full text ]
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Stevin Kamwendo, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 19 Mar 2002
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Before we topple Mugabe : Let us read between the lines.
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Agreed, it could be said that after two decades of Mugabe leadership, Zimbabwe is due for a change of baton in the running of the country’s government. However, to stampede Mugabe out of office will only be counterproductive. If the leaders of Western nations were to be sincere about having the interest of Zimbabweans in mind, they would see otherwise, rather than instigate chaos and disorder in Zimbabwe.
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Let me start by saying that this piece is neither in support of the Robert Mugabe Government in Zimbabwe nor is it against it. The purport here is to state that if Western nations are really interested in making Zimbabwe a better place for Zimbabweans, then they must consider what Zimbabweans think rather than impose the will of the West on the African nation which, by the way, is supposed to be a sovereign state. Turn the table around, and imagine one African nation or the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.) forcing its will on Americans because it thinks it knows what is right for Americans. Obviously, not even in a situation like the Florida recount embarrassment, would Americans tolerate an incursion of the American Polity or a deprivation of their freedom to choose their leaders, even by Britain or any other nation. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. [ show full text ]
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Oliver Mbamara, New York 19 Mar 2002
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The 're-election' of Robert Mugabe is a sad commentary on the state of democracy and quality of leadership in Africa. Why do African leaders find it so difficult to yield power? 22 years on, the Zim economy is worse off and the average Zimbabwean poorer than ever. Yet, the old Man holds on to the Presidency.
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As little minds across the continent rejoice in Mugabe's 'victory' over 'imperialists', we musk ask as true Africans, what is in the best interest of Zimbabwe? The country is and must be greater than any individual.
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I am deeply concerned for South Africa and Nigeria. Thabo Mbeki has seen nothing wrong in Mugabe's conduct and is picking up bad habits from his colleagues in the OAU. The largely incompetent Nigerian leader, Obasanjo, is probably consulting Mugabe on re-election tactics, which could come in handy in 2003. [ show full text ]
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Kenny Gozie, Lagos, Nigeria 19 Mar 2002
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The election of Mugabe was as free and fair as the election of Bush.
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Before his intervention in the Congo and his denial to use the tax payers money to compensate white farmers for lands they did not buy or own, Mugabe was often thrown the red carpet on his numerous visits to London and paraded as a model leader.
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Intervening against American and consequently British interests in the Congo and pushing for land reforms, which is against British interests have suddenly made him dictatorial. You are a dictator not when undemocratic but when you encroach on Western exploitation.
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Should Mugabe renounce land reforms and keep a blind eye on problems in Africa, there will be a change in Western rhetoric. [ show full text ]
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Chi Promise, Leicester, England 19 Mar 2002
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I don't know how anyone can say the election was free! Those of us who wanted to see the end of imperialism and racism with the election of Robert Mugabe failed to testify to his blatant excesses in Matabeleland in the early 80's. I am deeply ashamed that I was part of the denial at that time. We (and I include myself, since I was in Zimbabwe at that time) are reaping what we sowed. I am deeply disappointed in Mbeki, especially.
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Hilary Craig, Regina, Canada 19 Mar 2002
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The registered voter statistics and announced voter results speak volumes in proof of gross inflation and rigging of figures in announcing Mugabe's "election victory". They have humiliatingly belittled themselves as "ruling figureheads!”
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Not by any stretch of the imagination can the elections be regarded as free and fair! You are not free to voice anti-government feelings and is it fair to be beaten/killed because you support an opposition party?
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Jill, Harare, Zimbabwe 19 Mar 2002
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I am utterly disgusted and fed up of those who blame the West for Africa's lack of progress in every possible area your brain can allow you to imagine. I am an African myself and I strongly blame African governments for failing the continent so miserably. We seem to have an endless streams of mindless, inadequate,(the list goes on) leaders with no lateral thinking and more importantly with no conscious.
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I do agree with change in leadership but only if it is for the betterment of ordinary people and not just a case of old wine in a new bottle.
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The ONUS is on us young Africans.
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Ceasar Kerali, London 19 Mar 2002
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Be firm. The Zimbabweans expressed their burning feelings by the power of the vote.
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Byarugaba G. WB., Uganda 19 Mar 2002
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The presidential election result should be a cause for celebration for Zimbabweans and Africans.
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Having voted in the last 3 elections in Zimbabwe, I now realise how close I came to being a tool for outside forces hell-bent on destroying my beloved country. In interacting with people here I have realised that most of them have no idea or refuse to accept the havoc that colonialism brought to Africa. One gets the impression that we are supposed to be grateful for having been called kaffirs, mabhoyi, bhobhojanis etc for the past years because apparently it was good for us.
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Until the fast track land programme began 2 years ago white farmers in Zimbabwe would still tell their workers that Mugabe ruled in Harare only. Surely something had to be done. Us black Zimbabweans must have unfettered access to our natural resources and we should then be in a position to decide who uses them and for whose benefit. The process has begun and is unstoppable Mugabe or no Mugabe. [ show full text ]
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Kunaka Mudzi, Manchester, UK 19 Mar 2002
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Mugabe has won with the land issue. Clinton won with the "Rotten White House" issue. The Australian Prime minister won re-election with the "immigration " issue. You can add to the list but you will find one common thing, politicians exploit issues, therefore there is no difference between Mugabe and other politicians.
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The thing that Mugabe has done wrong is that he has touched the interests of the big brothers and sisters! Dear brothers and sisters, can we define what is the LAND for a black African? Is it soil? Rivers? Resources? Etc? To me no. Land is life, it is Welfare, it is retirement... its the only thing poor black Africans can depend on. If you take land away from these people without providing any alternative to it, your are a killer! [ show full text ]
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Kusirie Maiko, Hamburg, Germany 19 Mar 2002
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Only a Zimbabwean can tell the tale.
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To a non-Zimbabwean, the re-election of Mugabe might sound like a defeat to imperialism, but to a Zimbabwean it’s a defeat to democracy and human rights. The old man has always eliminated his rivals including the founder of the first nationalist movement Joshua Nkomo. Nkomo's party was swallowed in the unity accord. I hope the MDC does not accept being swallowed in the same manner through the government of national unity. People should fight for their democracy.
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Mugabe ate with whites until they denounced him, now he calls them colonizers. He made friends with the former colonizers after promising not to take land away from their kith and kin. When he ran out of political ideas, he grabbed the land and was dumped in the process. He still loves the whites although they divorced him a long time ago. Blacks are just being used for political gains. [ show full text ]
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Sihle Ndlovu, Johannesburg, South Africa 19 Mar 2002
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Clearly, the election in Zimbabwe was not a free and fair election. Freedom to the vote implies, absolute freedom, the freedom to choose who you want to vote for, without intimidation, and without restraints on your capacity to exercise your democratic rights. There was intimidation in Zimbabwe. There was one-sided media coverage. There are laughable conspiracy charges against the main opposition opponent. There has been rigging of the voting register. People weren’t been able to vote. There is no way the Zimbabwean election can be regarded as free and fair by any right thinking people.
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Eoin O'Callaghan, Dublin, Ireland 19 Mar 2002
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Having lived and worked more than 12 years in beloved Africa, I must say that I am rather disappointed to see what is going on in Zimbabwe.
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The major concern of the Government should be, in my opinion, to improve the people's situation as well as the economic situation of the country.
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The only thing I can see, unfortunately, is the deterioration of the country. BIP is going down and the population is getting poorer and poorer. This is certainly not getting better by taking away the land of the white farmers, as they were the ones that produced the county's agricultural richness.
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The first years after the independence, the country was quite well and was even seen as an example for other African nations. Nowadays it is rather a shame to see what this theoretically rich country has become. [ show full text ]
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Chris Meppi, Basel, Switzerland 19 Mar 2002
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Yes, land MUST be re-distributed, this must be the future for the country as a whole, but Mr. Mugabe has done a classic job of presenting himself as a dictator.
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Is it OK to pull ANYONE from a car, stand him against a tree and shoot him in the head because of his land, or the colour of his skin? It appalls me to see these things, anywhere, when there are those in the world - Mandela is the shining light -who have shown us the good way.
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The common man had right on his side, and I feel that Mr. Mugabe is letting them down badly. Who cares what the British government said? He had a just cause, which has now turned into what appears to be a fight to keep power at any cost. I don't think British people have any quarrel with Zimbabweans, it's what Mr. Mugabe is prepared to do for his own ends which is bad. [ show full text ]
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Nick Smith, UK 19 Mar 2002
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My comment would make no difference. All of the African leaders are a disgrace to humanity, human right and civilization. We complain about slavery. This is no different from slavery. The African leaders are enslaving their people. How long will it take them to learn from the civilized world how things are done or how governments operate?
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Mugabe and others need to attend orientation courses from the West on how to conduct elections, operate good governments, and provide good economies for continent. The rest of world is fed up with Africa and our troubles. I suggest that we (Africa) need to be re-colonized for a second time. I think that the white man gave us independence, freedom or left Africa too soon. We (Africa) do need them since our leaders cannot conduct fair elections or have a system that respects humanity or provides good economies for their citizens. [ show full text ]
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Mgbowo Awgu, LA, California, USA 19 Mar 2002
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Though Mugabe has become a despotic leader, he won because Morgan was not an alternative. The election results show that Zimbabwe will vehemently reject puppets and stooges like Morgan who like Al Gore is crying over Florida (Harare). Yet, instead of going to the courts, Morgan is been very unpatriotic and calling for sanctions against the very country that he wants to rule, a thing Al Gore contemplated.
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The truth is that the people have spoken. The election is over. Morgan should be magnanimous at accepting his defeat and work for the good of his people for there are far more ways to help Zimbabweans than being the president.
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And to the Commonwealth, the EU and the US, I say please let Zimbabwe’s due process of law resolve the imbroglio just as the US 2000 presidential election was resolved without any foreign intervention or threat of sanctions. For I have no doubt that the people of Zimbabwe have the capabilities and the necessary machinery to resolve such electoral problems. [ show full text ]
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Emmanuel Anyasi, Brooklyn New York US 19 Mar 2002
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Zim voters were burying the British, not electing Mugabe
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My conviction is that Zimbabweans were really letting the British and their friends know that they do not want them to meddle in their affairs. They were not really voting in Mugabe or rejecting Tsvangirai.
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On the other hands, many people have commented on the double standards of the West. It appears, on the whole, that this is always true of the West. Ordinarily, Zimbabweans may have elected Tsvangirai, if he had proved that he was not a crony of the British and their pink friends.
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Back here in Kenya, it appears that Kenyans are again rallying around Moi, one of the old men of Africa who has variously been branded a dictator. It appears that Moi is more African than the opposition members in Kenya. That may just pay off for him as well before the end of this year. [ show full text ]
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Muganda-Ochara, Nairobi, Kenya 19 Mar 2002
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I am very happy to express my support for Robert Mugabe. No matter what, his victory in the presidential election is our victory and at the same time the death of the Western influence in the motherland.
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We Africans need to learn how to respect each. Whites are very hateful and they have hated us since the beginning. If we are fool enough to expect good from those whites it is the same as expecting a dove from a snake egg.
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Abebe, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa 19 Mar 2002
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Call a spade a spade and not a spoon
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Concerning the election situation in Zimbabwe, it is important to establish whether Mr. Mugabe actually rigged the elections in his country. Whether Britain, (or the West in general), has its own agenda, of neocolonialism, it doesn’t warrant cheating in elections, because rigging was not against the British but was against Mr. Mugabe’s fellow countrymen, and an abuse to his country’s constitution. If we wanted to crown himself another ‘hero’, “The Conqueror of the British Empire”, what shows that those on the opposition couldn’t do the same, or even better if they had been allowed to win the election? I think it’s high time people in Africa started calling spades spades and not spoons; an election rigger a cheat and not a hero. Such excuses about the ulterior motives of neocolonialists are just to hide the bad actions. [ show full text ]
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Don, China 18 Mar 2002
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The alleged plot to assassinate Mugabe by Morgan is a well-documented fact here in Australia among viewers from a very reliable and trusted TV channel SBS, which broadcast the tape with a continuous time code and with Tsvangirai clearly warming up to the idea and now and then leading the discussion.
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As an African, asked to choose a way for Zimbabwe I would definitely applaud the Nigerian and South African leaders because this is a fine line. Tsvingirai may be an angel before the highly biased and ignorant Western media but there is no way I could suggest him for president, neither Mugabe, but faced with the two unfit leaders, I would suggest a government of national unity to reconcile both the West's wishes (I hate to say this) of seeing Tsvangirai as president and Mugabe's wishes of continuing his psuedo-democracy. [ show full text ]
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Tshireletso Motlogelwa, Brisbane,Australia (Botswana) 18 Mar 2002
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I am very happy that Mugabe won the election and the West can go and jump into Lake Victoria. The white farmers were crying. Maybe somebody should tell them that the white Rhodesians stole the land in the name of the King or Queen from the African rightful owners. I think now Tony Blair should sit down and negotiate with Robert Mugabe. The puppet Morgan whatever-his-name should also work with Mugabe to redress the evil that was done to the Africans.
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Toyin O., Canada 18 Mar 2002
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Some of us Zimbabweans are shocked by the way this election has received international attention.
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There are countries inside and outside of Africa where people are dying by the hundred on a daily basis but no one looks at that, why?
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If the world really loved us this much, we would be living under different circumstances. Why can people not live with the fact that Zimbabweans elected their leader of their choice if they can live with wars in Angola, the DRC, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Somalia, Palestine, and many other places. Why can people live with undemocratic countries such as Uganda, Pakistan and others and not Zimbabwe where multiparty elections have been held regularly since independence?
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If Tsvangirai had won, the West would have left us with our poverty. [ show full text ]
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Stenford Wenyika, Harare 18 Mar 2002
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Oh how quickly we forget. After fighting for freedom from the ones who subjugated us, enslaved our people, and took our homes, they still treat us like second-class citizens. We should consider their opinions,[don't make me laugh] It is time we take care of ourselves. Be our Brother's keeper.
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As for Zimbabwe, the leaders should put country first.
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Example [Gore won the election or was it Bush?]
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O. Ashante, Brooklyn, New York 18 Mar 2002
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The recent political intrusion of Western powers in the internal affairs of the Zimbabwean people is hardly out of good will. Honestly, it is disturbing to see the magnitude of propaganda materials lashed out on the person of President Mugabe of Zimbabwe by the 'all powerful' Western media.
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Back home the same hate-journalese are plastered all over and touted by some local writers as authentic and thereby causing the downfall of an illustrious son.
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The West is full of intelligent people who understand the power of unity and disunity. They win all their wars by speaking with one voice and acting in one accord. While at the same time works to weaken the enemy's position through the act of a stage-managed divisive campaign. The instruments of passive resistance and lobbying are used to establish a destructive view, this opens the next door - surprise attacks. [ show full text ]
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Daniel Enyeribe Michael, Nigerian/China 18 Mar 2002
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I just hope one day that the West will leave Africans alone to do there their own thing. Democracy is a study. We are all learning it.
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Omar Aisha, Lagos, Nigeria 18 Mar 2002
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I have heard the comments about the US Elections in 2000 being compared to the elections last week in Zimbabwe. Here, in the States, the candidate didn't muzzle the independent media, have 35 people killed, create a famine to suit his own political agenda, or make the rules so that he couldn't lose.
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A free election isn't like that.
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Scott Morgan, Richmond,Va USA 18 Mar 2002
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Hypocrisy is what explains the American and European campaign against Mugabe. Do you remember when thousands of Chinese were attacked and their businesses destroyed in Indonesia? Apart from the news of these attacks, the Americans and Europeans did not talk of sanctions against Indonesia! Well, the simple answer is racism of the White world. The Chinese are not White like the Zimbabwean Whites.
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Mugabe might be a dictator but he is the only leader that has not been bought by the whites in Zimbabwe and who would like to take back Zimbabwe through an African stooge like Morgan, the head of the opposition.
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Lastly, how long did it take America and Britain to even think of sanctions against the white regimes in Southern Africa? Almost all the way to the end of apartheid in South Africa, these countries told the world that sanctions would not help black people in Southern Africa! It took the deaths of thousands of black lives in Soweto, Bishop Tutu, Mandela, the guerilla war by the ANC, the liberation of the Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the battle of Quatovales when the White South African racist army was defeated by the Angolan and Cuban armies to convince the Americans and the Europeans that the whites were surrounded and could not win against the Africans and their allies. They gave into the idea of sanctions when it was too late to save thousands of African lives! Africans should not give into pressure and sell Zimbabwe back to the Rhodesians and Ian Smith. Akiiki. [ show full text ]
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Muntu, U.S.A 18 Mar 2002
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Like an civic leader stated, the only option left is the escalation of conflict just as had happened after Smith's UDI. We Zimbabweans must fight the Mugabe regime by all possible means - fight alone if we have to. Once trusted African (RSA, Nigeria) leaders have sold us out for their own political mileage. The ANC bastards were never with us, with all their talk of 'quiet diplomacy' while people were abducted, tortured, raped and even killed by ZANU PF thugs.
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A 3-day national strike has been announced starting Wednesday, and we will all comply. It is we, and not the rest of Africa that pays for Mugabe's theatrics. Lets' show Mugabe that while he can take away freedoms, he cannot take away our power to light a match [and burn] .... [ show full text ]
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Sibongile Zulu, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 18 Mar 2002
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By now, the name, Robert Mugabe should be a laudable household name for Africans. His pyrotechnics and triumph against the West has shown that Africans will soon annihilate neo-colonialism, the greatest force hampering her development.
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Whilst I laud President Mugabe for his gallant performance, I must also extol President Obasanjo, President Mbeki, and all other African Heads of States that have supported President Mugabe. Emphatically, this is a sign of regional support that should be emulated by Heads of States across the entire region.
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Zimbabwe, as a sovereign state, should be able to monitor their own elections as they please. How many times does the West invite African countries to monitor their elections? The answer is, perhaps, never.
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At this juncture, therefore, Africa should solely adjudicate her own affairs. [ show full text ]
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Obinna Onwumere, N.Y. U.S.A 18 Mar 2002
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Mugabe may have rigged the elections, but what surprises me is the fact that this was said even before elections took place. Because some white farmers have lost their farms, Mugabe has suddenly become evil. When last year Museveni rigged elections, I didn't hear any comments from the so-called "international community". And what about Mr Kagame who has been involved in the killing of three million people in the DRC and who has become a great trader of diamonds and weapons in Africa? The answer is simple. The two darlings of the "international community" are good guys and therefore deserve love, money, weapons and help form the "civilized world.”
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Shabani Amory, Brussels, Belgium 18 Mar 2002
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Zimbabwe is only one example of the white peoples' negative and satanic interference in our business. The only way Africa can take care of its business is by severing all contact with white nations and kicking all whites out of the continent and finally stepping up his defense program by having an interest in nuclear, biological, and spiritual weapons which doesn't require huge means, only plutonium ...
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Ab, Africa 18 Mar 2002
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Thanks to Mugabe's victory more of the true black folks of the world and other indigenious people of color esp. blacks will be willing to stand strong even in the midst of death to reclaim our land base that is our creator's gift to us. Mugabe's stance in returning the land back to the people is beyond applause. Africa was carved up for the sake of capitalists and some egotistic and greedy African kings/queens. Remember tribalism is more treacherous than racism. Father and mother Africa is the mammory gland that nourishes or nurtures all the world. More power to Mugabe and like minds and actions.
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Tevis, Atlanta, GA. 18 Mar 2002
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Akwabi-Ameyaw you labelled me a racist! I'm not sure you really know what that word means. I suggest you consult your dictionary.
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I wanted to have this debate about whether I was a racist or not between me and you. It was not the African public who called me that and yes I searched and found your e-mail address. I am willing to discuss this issue of race and racism and the Zim election with you. You have my e-mail. But if you don't want to I suggest you read what Comrade Mugabe has been saying all along during this entire campaign.
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I am convinced that this election was finally the beginning of Africa wobbling to stand on its own two feet. [ show full text ]
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Aminu Wouba, Atlanta, GA 18 Mar 2002
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If there was nothing wrong with the elections in Zimbabwe recently why has there been so much about them? Why is the whole world so interested in what is happening in Zimbabwe? Why is this supposed victor even willing to talk about a coalition government if indeed he won? Whether he invites Morgan or not is not the issue, the issue is, why would that be an option if the elections were free and fair?
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If Morgan even considers sharing power with this moron, then he has sold out the whole of Zimbabwe not mentioning the whole world over.
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I can understand why Mbeki would not come out and say what he knows is the truth, the elections were nowhere near free and fair, [ show full text ]
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Majongwe AS, Freetown, Sierra-Leone 18 Mar 2002
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I am so disappointed at that clown Robert Mugabe. He had a chance to show the world that elections can be free and fair in Africa, and what did he do? He blew the chance and put on a circus as a coronation....when will this end?
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Mo Mara, Miami, FL, USA 18 Mar 2002
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Who cares anyway? Many elections are not free, they are rigged. Mugabe has just done what Bush did. Remember we are living in rule of the jungle, survival of the fittest. Stop crying out loud.
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Mike Aziz, Vancouver,Canada 18 Mar 2002
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Shameless Mugabe
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Although I am solidly behind Mr. Mugabe's policy of taking land from the whites and giving it to the blacks, I am totally against his despotism. He has again given the West cause to question the black man's ability to govern himself. How long shall we continue to pray that Africa can be rid of despots like Mugabe and Moi, so that the people of Africa, from East to West, Central to South can freely choose their leaders.
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Ayodele Famewo, Chicago, Illinois 18 Mar 2002
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I can somewhat see the point that Western governments are selecting out Mugabe's government for criticism because of the presence of the white farmers element and the lack of criticism of other governments.
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However, it's untruthful to say that perhaps a citizen in the West who is appalled at the violence in Zimbabwe is not simply appalled at the loss of life and instead has other motives.
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It would be naive to believe that the many persons posting from Western countries, and talking of the evils of Western democracy, are not in Western countries' in order to enjoy the fruits of Western democracy. Utterances about the downsides of Western values, etc. would have more backbone and consistency if such posters could demonstrate to the world that they were willing to live in their own countries, where they have created a society where they are able to achieve their dreams and live out their visions of freedom. [ show full text ]
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Liberation Theology, USA 18 Mar 2002
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The Future of Democracy in Africa
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The past, present, and future of democracy is in question in Africa just now, while at the same time we see Western leaders endorsing dictatorship in country like Uganda. Lt. General Museveni's government would not function without endorsement from these western countries.
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52% percent of government funds come from abroad, while multiparty organization is totally outlawed; here is another prime example of the West’s double standard while it comes to Africa.
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Was is not the same British government that refused to imposed sanctions on the then white government under Ian Smith and South Africa Apartheid regime?
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Was it not the British government who first recognized general Idi Amin when he took over power in Uganda? [ show full text ]
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Ram Gulla, Stockholm, Sweden 18 Mar 2002
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A great revolution is taking place in Africa.
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This is the first time in history that an African ruler is being supported by brother presidents to stand against imperialism. Only a myopic African cannot be happy about this rare event after 400 years of slavery and exploitation, even silent genocide.
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I have never met an African man possessing one hectare of land in Europe. How is it that 4000 Whites control more than 70% of the fertile land in a black country, what an injustice!
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It is high time that African nations join hands and work together for Africans. No longer should puppets, stooges or Western peons be among us! We are not cursed to remain slaves and beggars for all time. We are responsible for this situation by allowing it because we suffer from an inferiority complex without realizing it by not trusting ourselves and especially by not knowing our enemies, who disguise themselves as friends and helpers. [ show full text ]
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Antonio Savimbi, Moxico 18 Mar 2002
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Whether or not the elections in Zimbabwe were "free and fair" is now history, but I can judge from views that elections are "free and fair" when a particular person wins. What a shame! How many elections have been rigged in Africa since 1990? What has the West done? Is it not the same West that continues to support these tyrants called African leaders? If the people of Zimbabwe are owed a right to a free and fair vote, they are also owed their land. There is every evidence that nature is taking its course. The defense of interests also has limits, watch out! Mugabe, don't accept the idea of a government of national unity because you will be pleasing the West. [ show full text ]
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Nyiwul Linus, Cairo, Egypt 18 Mar 2002
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While attacking the former colonial powers may have some merit, let us look at the way we manage our own affairs today and ask ourselves whether we, as Africans, are being honest.
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The reality is that we are responsible for the failures of our countries and of our continent. By condoning the kind of leadership we have in our countries, we condemn ourselves to perpetual un-development.
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Although we can blame the Mugabes and the Eyademas, we also need to look at leadership in a broader context. It is not simply the Heads of State who are rotten. It is the whole leadership class. Look at the way cabinet ministers carry themselves. Look at the jokers that call themselves opposition leaders? Look at the indifference of the middle class (doctors, lawyers, etc) to the dreadful things happening under their noses? Look at the way our traditional chiefs have abandoned all semblance of moral authority? [ show full text ]
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Kofi, Addis Ababa 18 Mar 2002
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I am Congolese (DRC) and currently working in Cotonou. I do not care about the elections being free and fair. My concern is that the leaders of our continent want to hold onto power in order to destroy it much more. This is a wake up call to all the young Africans out there; we need to unite and fight against this mentality. I am only 21 years old and I believe that this is the age of change. Enough is enough.
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Yves, Cotonou (Benin) 18 Mar 2002
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You all seem to have missed the point.
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Bob Mugabe's agenda is simple:
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1.Crash Western Imperialism
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2. Abandon all forms of neo-colonial influence on the African continent (currently being implemented by western proxies IMF and World Bank)
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3. Create a United States of Africa, which is free from Western interference
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4. Creation of a Socialist alternative suitable to Africa as opposed to Western values.
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5. Opposed to all this going to the west with a begging bowl when the continent is so rich in resources.
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6. Creation of an African Economic block which flexes it's muscle at WTO negotiations as opposed to individual countries trying to negotiate.
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7. The creation of an African Standing Army.
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Always remember, Bob is an Nkrumahist. Nkrumah's vision is the only way for Africa. All this Mbeki and Obasanjo's talk of NEPAD (going to ask the West to invest money and increase aid in Africa) and African renaissance is nothing but a divide and rule tactic by the West to destroy the African Union Project. [ show full text ]
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Siisi, London 18 Mar 2002
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Except for very few countries, democracy in Africa has become a joke and until the civilized world makes this very clear and takes action against countries like Zimbabwe, Africa will continue on its downward spiral to widespread despotism, anarchy and chaos.
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Richard Dyer, Cape Town, South Africa 18 Mar 2002
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There are many Africans who considered the Zimbabwe elections rigged, yet they support Mugabe. Do you know the reason why?
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It is because for the umpteenth time Britain and the US have exposed their blatant hypocrisy regarding African affairs. They wouldn’t have shown any interest if white settlers weren’t in the stew. Further, their definition of a free and fair election is one where the opposition wins.
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In Kenya where I live, we have nothing to show for 10 years of multi-party democracy, In fact, the majority of Kenyans now consider Opposition MPs to be worse than the establishment with regards to corruption and tribalism. Does the foreign press highlight this fact? No, it doesn’t fit in the West’s scheme of things. An African leader is propped up and when he finally falls out with his Western sponsors he is branded a tyrannical despot. Mugabe learnt the game the British taught him, now he’s turned it against them. [ show full text ]
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Gregory Kipchirchir, Nairobi, Kenya 18 Mar 2002
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First of all, I would like to say sorry to my fellow Zimbabweans who wanted Mugabe to be out of power. He is a referee and player at the same time. Let us just accept it. Maybe he will die in the process.
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Cedrick, Pretoria 18 Mar 2002
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In his contribution to the debate as to whether or not the Zimbabwe presidential election was free and fair, Aminu Wouba of Emory University, Atlanta, used the privilege accorded him by allAfrica.com to state: "Why don't these white Zims come here to America where their white skins will confer on them the kinds of advantages that they are seeking in Africa?"
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When I pointed out to him rightly that such an irresponsible question reflected a racist logic he, instead of debating me in the public forum where the two of us met, chose to search for my e-mail address to send me a message calling me a "stupid idiot." Being a typical African bully, like those he wrote in support of earlier, he went on to wonder what I do in California and threatened me to (in his words) "be very careful ... because somebody might come looking for you (me)." [ show full text ]
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Kofi Akwabi-Ameyaw, Turlock, California, USA 18 Mar 2002
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The USA is not a friend to black people. They mistreat black US citizens with appalling discrimination. How can the MDC justify going to the USA for support?
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The MDC obtained a high vote in 2000 as 'the opposition'. By 2002 they had been exposed as an opposition party funded by the Rhodies and the commercial farmers. If change is needed in Zimbabwe it should be change for the better, and not change decided upon by the white supremacists in the CFU, the USA & the British Cabinet. (Do any British MP's & their families own farms in Zimbabwe? Come on, declare your interests.)
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If the MDC were a credible opposition, they would have allowed Margaret Dongo to continue as an opposition MP, instead of replacing her with someone more 'acceptable' to the West. Next the MDC will ditch Gwisai as Highfields MDC MP, in favour of another MDC/London/Washington suit. [ show full text ]
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Keith Hallam, London, England 18 Mar 2002
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Because of the new world order since the fall of communism, and because of pressure by the World Bank and IMF - Africa has come to realise that coup d'etats no longer are acceptable. So how do you stay in power? You use a false democracy - and you rig and cheat in such a way that you always remain in power. Africa will never become part of the real world.
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Dr. Corne Mulder MP, Cape Town - South Africa 18 Mar 2002
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My father says; If you see a child crying and pointing his or her finger to a direction without saying a word, if the father is not there, the mother will be there.
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How interesting and adorable; For the Americans and Europeans so love Zimbabwe that they gave their only begotten son Morgan Tsvangirai, that who so ever believe in him should not perish but have jobs and the economic boom for Zimbabwe.
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It almost makes me cry. Let’s be realistic here friends.
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What makes the Zimbabwean issue the number one priority for the Europeans and Americans?
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What are they saying about the situation in Madagascar or the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, even Nigeria whose president is enjoying a red carpet banquet in the White House and Queen’s palace in Britain, after he ordered his Military to kill more than 200 villagers. [ show full text ]
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Chidozie G. Jacob, Ottawa, Canada (from Nigeria) 17 Mar 2002
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It is easy to blame Mugabe. It is not easy to blame his masters, the colonizers and enslavers of Africa. Africa is today what former masters have deliberately planned. 90% of the African President are so-called Christians and were trained in Western schools. If students are bad, most of the time, it is wise to blame the teachers. When the Africans were pushed from their lands by Europeans, nobody raised their voice. It is sad that the majority of Africans do not see things from their own eyes. They are blinded by the imperialism.
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First, Africans have to remove the Eurocentric view, and then they will see what Mugabe is doing. I am not approving of everything Mugabe has been doing. The one thing that I know is that for Europeans, you become a devil once their interests are in danger. It is easy to correct Mugabe. It is not easy to take back what the Europeans have been stealing from Africa. No, enough is enough. What is better: Is is better for Mugabe to steal Congo cobalt, or for the Europeans to steal your souls? [ show full text ]
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Manasawa, Lusaka, Zambia 17 Mar 2002
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The elections in Zim shows how wrong the world was 22 years ago when everyone thought that Mugabe was a freedom fighter against the Rhoedesians. Wake up! He was trained by dictators and oppressive goverments. It should not have come as a suprise that his strong arm tactics and intimidation would influence the outcome of the last elections. Mugabe is a terrorist and needs to be taken from power. I hope that America, South Africa, and Botswana will see that Mugabe is a terrorist and rid the world of him.
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Jimmy "Ntsu" Grizzard, Hope Mills, NC 17 Mar 2002
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Aminu don't give up because some people call you racist. Continue to struggle for the motherland.
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Annette Njima, Minneapolis, MN 17 Mar 2002
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All in all, I think the people of Zimbabwe have demonstrated their willingness to vote for the person they think will be better for them. The election in Zimbabwe has been everywhere. I think the media was so biased towards the people of Zimbabwe and their leader. There are so many issues that they should have covered and need to be covered. I am wondering what their interest is in the outcome of the election. Concerned groups should help Zimbabweans rather than be against them. This is the time for every human being to open his or her eyes about the future of everybody in the world not to side with one group, which considers itself superior. The people of the world should show a commitment in helping each other, otherwise nobody will live in peace. United we stand, help each and stop being biased. [ show full text ]
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Oduetse Mothokakobo, Orlando, Florida 17 Mar 2002
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The problem with the last election in Zim is that the issues go far beyond Mugabe and Zim. Last year, on my way back to Atlanta from Harare after an HIV/AIDS assessment, I happened to have a chat with some White Zims on the plane. Within minutes the discussion had resorted to the land issue. One of them said that a long time ago, through "manifest destiny" God gave them the land in Rhodesia. So I asked him why God chose them and not the Chinese to give the land to. He said "because we are more intelligent" laughingly.
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Unfortunately there are many people like him out there. I was glad to hear him say he was moving to Canada for good. Now if people like these go to support the MDC- I say please Comrade Mugabe may GOD give you 50 more years on this planet to educate Black Zims that they are as intelligent as any one else and help them take full control of their destinies. [ show full text ]
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Aminu Wouba, Atlanta,GA 17 Mar 2002
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The election in Zim was not about free and fair elections. This was about freeing Africa’s land and economy from the grip of Western capitalism. Mugabe understands this well and the West understands this all too well. Will this be the turning point in this struggle just like the MAU MAU in Kenya was the turning point in our political struggle? Thanks to all the Africans and good white people who understand the nature of struggle. To the bad white people who exploit Africa and hide behind free and fair elections you are not fooling most Africans anymore. We have lived in your lands and studied you in your schools. To the few lost Africans confused by disinformation from the West: go to school and read the books and learn what is happening to your people. Let the struggle commence. [ show full text ]
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Isaiah Nengo, Berkeley, CA 17 Mar 2002
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The electoral process in Zimbabwe was fair and just only in the eyes of SADC Club members. Ironically, it is with this mambo jumbo way of doing politics in our continent, we are planning to create a Union! The SADC and the OAU should just cease to exist because they only do bring shame to our continent. Why can't any leader see this?
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Vanduzi, USA 17 Mar 2002
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It bothers me some what that the elections were not free and fair, but what is more upsetting is that I think, after 22 years, the president should give someone else a chance. What did the president do during the last 22 years that makes him think he should stay even longer to rule this country. And those African leaders that are afraid to tell this guy take a hike, shame on them (South Africa, Nigeria and the grand daddy of them all Libya’s President ). Mandela should be a role model for the president of Zimbabwe. He should take clue from Mandela and leave power.
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Alfred Cheaye, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, USA 17 Mar 2002
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This is a sad! It's a shame that so-called African leaders can say that the elections in Zimbabwe where fair. You need to talk to the people out there who are suffering to get the facts. The so-called leaders of or country are living comfortably and don't actually feel the suffering of the people. They're only interested in protecting their status. Power and Greed! But guess what, you reap what you sow. Why are these so-called leaders speaking for us anyway? Help! I think that I am going insane.
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Wilson Kinobe, Omaha, Nebraska 17 Mar 2002
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Free and Fair Election?
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Does anybody living outside Zimbabwe really have any idea .. and yet you think you all have so much to say about the issue.
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Robert Mugabe started campaigning two years ago with his "fast-track land reform". No-one, including the few whites left in Zimbabwe will deny that there is need for land re-distribution and if you take the time to read up on the MDC's proposals you will understand that this issue is at the top of their agenda, however they at least intend doing it with some integrity. The land issue has been forsaken by Mugabe for the past 18 years. Don't you question why he only put some effort into the matter when there was the threat of an opposing party taking over his helm? Question yourselves. What is the point in giving landless peasants land, then pretty much telling them to "get on with it" and "feed the nation"? Do they not need the most basic of infrastructures and at the very least, some form of irrigation and farming tools? [ show full text ]
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Lisa, Harare, Zimbabwe 17 Mar 2002
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For anyone who doubts that presidential overstay is a core problem, just reflect on the following list of leaders who have stayed over 10 years (many over 20 years), with no end in sight:
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(1) Eyadema
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(2) Moi
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(3) Campaore
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(4) Lansana Conte
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(5) Bashir
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(6) Museveni
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(7) Mswati (he claims he's a king!)
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(8) Biya
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(9) Mubarak
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(10) Charles Taylor
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(11) Mugabe
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(12) Yahya
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(13) Dos Santos
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(14) Meles
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(15) Bouteflika
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(16) Joaquim Chissano
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(17) Ben Ali
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(18) Idriss Deby
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(19) Qaddafi
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(20) Taya
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(21) Sam Nujoma
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(22) Omar Bongo
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(23) Obiang Nguema
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NB: This does not include those who had gone and come back, for heaven knows what:
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(1) Kerekou
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(2) Obasanjo
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(3) Nguesso
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Akwasi Aidoo, New York 17 Mar 2002
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I think it's farcical that most of the posters here defending the indefensible under the guise of antiimperialism, are not in Africa, but in Western countries, benefitting from the fruits of this so-called Western democracy that they howl denigrations at.
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Much of the outcry against George Bush is quite interesting in that it is only now that the cry is deafening. Before, there was scarcely much outcry about the disenfranchisement; in fact, many of these same types of voices were doing anything to show disdain and dismissiveness to many of the things held very dear by Black Americans - such as their right to enfranchisment and political power - by even supporting George Bush. Even Africans themselves, don't go around condemning electoral abuses in every country in the Africa, or even in western countries, particularly when black peoples are disenfranchised. [ show full text ]
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Liberation Theology, USA 17 Mar 2002
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I applaud the African leaders for standing together and throwing their support behind Mugabe. Although I am no supporter of Mugabe, he has proven that Africans have what it takes to stand up to the West.
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Furthermore, the Western media has really distorted the coverage of the issues in Zimbabwe. Dealing with land and race is crucial to the democracy of Zimbabwe. Furthermore, here in Canada The Toronto Star, through one of its writers, acknowledged that they were only interested in reporting about Mugabe the mad man and not about race or land. And so therein lies the double standards of Western countries such as Canada.
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African countries must stand up for themselves because no one will.
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Kisakye, Canada 17 Mar 2002
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Shame on you voters who let this man win. Now you will have to suffer for six more long and hungry years. Who will you be crying to when your stomach is empty and your job (that is if you have one) is gone? Who will you beg when all your resources have been robbed?
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I am a Zimbabwean until someone allows me to become a citizen of their land and treats me like a decent human being. Until then I hope the people who voted for this old senile man get their just deserts and then magnified ten fold.
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Wildman, Switzerland 17 Mar 2002
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Supporters of the opposition have been killed. Is that a fair election?
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"White Allied", Norway 17 Mar 2002
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It's about time these older leaders in Africa retire and give younger men/women a chance to be leaders in their respective countries... It's a shame for them to keep rigging elections..the country is not your property, please think about the younger kids growing up now and what their future will be... You can't live forever...corruption is ruinning africa and you are corrupt.
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Joe Roberts, Washington, DC 17 Mar 2002
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Africa generally and Zimbabwe specifically are fighting two battles: one for democracy and one against imperialism. In Zimbabwe, MDC was highlighting democracy and Zanu-PF imperialism. Real democracy, i.e. the will of the people holding sway, is vital for Africa as for the rest of the world. But while western style democracy - designed for and suited to Western societies - is better than nothing, it has led to chaos and bloodshed across Africa, with little material improvement for the majority. It also makes it easier for Western countries to get involved in the running of African countries to their advantage, without the need to openly fund dictators.
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Mwalimu Nyerere - Tanzania's great leader - asked what use is the right to political representation to someone who cannot feed his or her family? This was never a denial of the right to political representation, just a recognition of priorities. The roots of Africa's problems lie in imperialism. Just one percent of Zimbabwe's population owns 90% of the wealth, and they form a (mostly white) circle of capital between the producing farmers and industrialists and the financing banks, also with strong links to the independent press. This circle has far more connections to the international economy than it does to the majority of impoverished Zimbabweans. [ show full text ]
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Joe Pullen, Brighton, UK 17 Mar 2002
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The presidential election was contested by several black Zimbabweans and no white Zimbabwean. When all of us were offered the privilege by Allfrica.com to comment on whether or not the process and outcome were free and fair, Aminu Wouba chose to use his opportunity to simply ask: "Why don't these white Zims come here to America where their white skins will confer on them the kinds of advantages that they are seeking in Africa?"
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In response, Akwabi-Ameyaw, convinced that the election was not about white Zims and white skins, or for that matter, America, pointed out that such an irresponsible question was based on "racist logic." It is a sad irony, therefore, that Aminu Wouba will turn around and accuse Akwabi-Ameyaw of calling him racist. [ show full text ]
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Running away from personal responsibility and accountability for whatever we say or do is precisely the reason why Africa is in such a terrible hell hole. The whiteman, like the blackman, is not an angel. But he should not be blamed for what Africans freely choose to say or do.
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From the many comments which I have just read this afternoon, it appears, and it has just been confirmed by the BBC phone-in radio programme, that Zimbabwe must be condemned because Zimbabweans have decided to retain Comrade Mugabe as President. I find it funny that the world at large do not wish to respect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
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I condemn the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe.We Africans cannot forget that there was along and bitter struggle to liberate the country from one of Britain's son, Ian Smith. We all know who supported Ian Smith. It took a strong man like Robert Mugabe to object to some of the terms that the colonialist came up with.
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Zimbabwe needs Mugabe. It does not need the western interference. The leaders who have declared the recent elections in Zimbabwe as legitimate at least do not want a situation that has developed and continue to eat int Africa's development agenda; the situation in Angola, the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi has not been resolved by the West, the very powers whose greed created the land crisis in Zimbabwe in the first place. [ show full text ]
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Dr Ben Dzowela, Lilongwe, Malawi 17 Mar 2002
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In many ways, this was a test-case for the political will among African leaders to open the doors for real renewal and good governance. But what do we see instead? Half the leaders who only recently blew the trumpet announcing times of change for our continent come out supporting Mugabe in his hardly-concealed use of terror to cling to the power he has abused time and time again during his (already far too long) reign. The other half are afraid to voice even some remote concern.
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So what on earth are we to make of the recently-created African Union? With Mugabe cajoled the way he's been so far, I think aspiring Mobutus & co. can put their feet up and look forward to a cosy future. [ show full text ]
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Richard Nkulikiyinka, Cambridge, England 17 Mar 2002
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(1)Zimbabwe's Poll- Free or Unfair?
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- You pose such a question, without the context of the political background, seeking mindless answers to a complex issue.
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By which standard are we to judge 'free or unfair'- should we use the Florida, 'dimpled chads' standard, or should we poll the European former colonial powers?
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(2)How the Land Issue Should Have Been Handled
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- This is an easier question to answer. Use the state power of 'eminent domain', to seize these commercial farms, and then figure out a formula to redistribute ownership shares to the landless Africans of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
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But I believe that most of the huge tracts of land, should remain undivided, at this point. This way, the high productivity of the land is maintained, while the wealth from the land is distributed fairly. [ show full text ]
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Oba Awo, Erunmu, Oyo State, Nigeria 17 Mar 2002
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I could not care less if the election was fair or not, but my biggest bone of contention is that no man should rule a nation for more than 10 years. Mugabe and Mubarak are 22 and counting. This is the biggest problem with Africa. Mugabe appears to be destined for life and that, my friend, is not good news for the country and is a bad omen for Africa. Mugabe/Mubarak are demonstrative of Africa's problem - lack of leadership.
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J. Osokandu, Oklahoma 17 Mar 2002
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I would like to commend African leaders for their overwhelming support to President Robert Mugabe. Their support does not necessarily indicate endorsement of any flaws of the recent electoral poll nor shortcomings of Mugabe's government but rather a vivid expression of their solidarity against complex Western tactics for exerting international political and economic control under the guise of democracy. Indeed, this reciprocal manoeuvre by the leaders shows sophistication of political thinking in the continent and has definitely enhanced the respect of Africans at the international political arena.
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Dr Jacob Kimaryo, Sheffield, United Kingdom 17 Mar 2002
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There is much criticism and many questions surrounding the recent contest for control of government in Zimbabwe.
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The question of "fair and free elections" can only be considered as meaningful if one ignores the history of Southern Africa, while failing to understand that there are basic elements of nation building that must be in place if nationhood is to be viable. Certainly, "fair and free elections" are in the mix of national development. However, "fair and free elections" can have no real meaning in the absence of a redistribution of land in Zimbabwe or for that matter, the entire Southern Africa.
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Criticism must be given to Mr. Mugabe for his failure to have adequately addressed the land re-distribution issue in the twenty-two of his governance. Mr. Tsvangirai failure to advance the land re-distribution issue is also cause for criticism. The newness of Mr. Tsvangirai to the politics of nation-building may be the cause of his inability the garner the support of African leadership [ show full text ]
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C J Rabess, Bridgetown, Barbados 17 Mar 2002
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African dictators have always found solace in the maleability of the international community. They 'go solo' and wild on unpopular policies only to sweet talk the 'IC' afterwards. The international community is always ready with open arms to re-accept them back into the fold. Mugabe knows what he is doing. He knows that he won't be penalised at all. Already calls are being made for him to 'work' with donor countries. Yet the Zimbabwean people have died and continue to die. There can never be normal life in Zimbabwe under this government, under this killer, under this rogue regime. If the Taliban were crushed in the name of human rights and civilisation, why can't that extend to Zimbabwe for God's sake!! [ show full text ]
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Zimbabwean, Edinburgh, Scotland 17 Mar 2002
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It is hard for us, who are far away from Zimbabwe, to tell if the election was fair because the only reports we get are from foreign media. We all know that most foreign media are anti-Mugabe. I do believe that we should not allow Westerners to supervise our elections, unless they let us do the same in their countries.
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A. Mbala Banza, Washington, DC 17 Mar 2002
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I am quite surprised when I realize that many Africans still do not understand the political game played by the Western countries. Somebody was even suggesting the killing of Mugabe--what a stupidity!
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The truth is, the Western leaders hate Mugabe because he engaged in Congo war, therefore striking a severe blow to their demonic plan of disintegrating that country in order to better rob its resources, as they actually do.
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The second reason is the land reform, because they fear that if it succeeds, it can make a school for other countries in the region.
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Further, they do not want to see any strong African leader and they have no interest in the success of democracy in Africa. A countless number of "democratic" elections have been cheated in Africa since 1990. They always maintained a discreet silence. [ show full text ]
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Jo Apalloh, London 17 Mar 2002
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What is it in the mind-set of African leaders which seeks to destroy everything which has a white connotation? The infrastructure left after the end of colonial rule has been systematically neglected or trashed. The big men grow richer by the day and the poor, poorer. Mugabe and his crooks hand out small parcels of land to the poor to give them a feeling of empowerment. Maybe they feel that, but only for a short time - it will not make them wealthy or improve their standard of living, it is a retrograde step back to subsistence. Meanwhile he and his henchmen will grab the best land for themselves, which presumably is OK because they are non-white. That is arguably perverse. [ show full text ]
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John, Staffordshire UK 17 Mar 2002
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Listen, Africans, I think the time has for us to determine our future. How many African groups monitor the gambling of president W.Bush? How long did it takes the U.S to gave the world the winner of their last election, which country of the world questioned that gamble?
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My advice to the loser is for him to join Mugabe in a goverment of national unity. I don't want a situation where the U.S and Britain will be causing confusion in many of African countries because of their selfish political interests.
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African leaders, listen, the Western world and U.S do not care about us, they only come to us because of what God gave us. It is only when we start to develop on our own that we will see the beauty of Africa. Africa come back to yourselves so that we can take the bull by the horn. [ show full text ]
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King Jah-Jah 2nd, Onitsha, Nigeria 17 Mar 2002
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I do not support Mugabe, but the West is evil too. I do believe there is a race issue. The week before the elections, BBC had a documentary, which covered the Matebeleland atrocities and called for Mugabe to be tried. But when Smith came to UK, he was put on a pinnacle and appeared on leading current affairs programmes condemning Mugabe. He did worse, but in the eyes of the West it is forgotten.
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When Mugabe and Mandela preached reconciliation, they were applauded. Why don't they preach forgiving Mugabe? There was worse violence in the townships against blacks by the Rhodesian Forces. "Defending our way of life"the whiteman would say! Your way of life? In whose land/country? What about the African's way of life in his land? As Africans we are encouraged to forgive white wrongs against blacks and encouraged to seek vengeance when it's from our own brothers. [ show full text ]
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Chigogo Mnindwa, Hull, England 17 Mar 2002
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At this moment, I do not understand the African intellectuals who are standing behind Mugabe in the name of Africanism. The fact that Mugabe used violence to intimidate the people from the opposition party should not be forgotten. Many people were murdered, victimised, tortured or disappeared in the name of nationalism.
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Nobody should stop the people of Zimbabwe from deciding their own destiny. Even if the MDC would be a puppet regime, it's up to the people of Zimbabbwe to vote for them, if the election is free and fair.
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We know that Mugabe sacrificed a lot for our independence, he should now enable us to benefit from what he fought for, that is the right to vote. The other African nationalists should always have in mind that Mugabe can do anything to stay in power, he even committed genocide in the early eighties in order to have everything under his control. [ show full text ]
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Mr Africa, Germany 17 Mar 2002
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The issue in Zimbabwe appears to me to speak to the arrogance of Europeans overall...
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Why is it if the whites can't control you then they bitch and whine and do everything they can to undermine or nullify that particular entity.
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Mugabe is doing the right thing in setting the land affairs in order there in Zimbabwe.
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Africans and others such as the original inhabitants of Australia, American Indians, African Americans have suffered being dienfranchised from "their" land far too long, something whites will never allow to happen to them in their own european countries.
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I am glad to see Mugabe in such a non-capitulating posture, after all, the land is what defines an African. What is he without it? Maybe Mugabe has learned the lesson of the American Indian a little too well for the Whites... As far as the Zimbabwean election results are concerned - Who is Bush to talk? [ show full text ]
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Sikekela Africa , USA 17 Mar 2002
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I was born in Tanzania but I don't think that it is fair for somebody to stay in power as long as he stayed; shame on the peoples who vote for him, he must go.
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Muniry Ramsay, Califonia, USA 17 Mar 2002
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I am appalled by people who think Tsvangirayi would have won elections in Zimbabwe. The party did not do its homework properly. Of course if the Western leaders were voters, he would have won hands down, but they are not on our voters' rolls. The majority of the people who are on the roll are rural peasant farmers, a fact that eluded the MDC until Mugabe won the elections. Harare and Bulawayo and a couple of small towns are not Zimbabwe.
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For the benefit of MDC supporters who do not know why their party lost,the following are other reasons why they lost.
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a) Obvious and clear support from Britain and other Western countries of the MDC. this made Mugabe a hero; people hate interference. [ show full text ]
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Chinjanja, S, Harare, Zimbabwe 17 Mar 2002
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I was in Zimbabwe and South Africa two years ago. That's the main reason I followed the election with interest. People seemed to be afraid to talk about politics in Zim, but when they did, every single one of them spewed venom in regards to Mugabe. Nobody ever talked about voting him out of office - they just hoped that since he was so old, he would die soon. The people I met were wonderful people, and they deserve better than what Mugabe has done to them.
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Zimbabwe and South Africa were Africa's best chances. Both were given huge economic head-starts, but Zimbabwe has squandered that advantage and degenerated into a typical corrupt African basket-case. It can't be helped but to view Zimbabwe and South Africa as related, and I am very worried about South Africa now. [ show full text ]
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Steve Sinai, Pacifica, California 17 Mar 2002
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Now listen to the filth that is coming out of the mouths of some of our African leaders that the Zimbabwe elections were "fair".
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Yeah, Right - "the Emperor Is Still Wearing His New Clothes". But The Little Boy knows better. How in the world could they say that, when this man, Mugabe, accustomed to sporting an Adolf Hitler-style moustache, a perennial post-colonial flunkie of a leader, unleashes his gestapo "Zanupooooof" to terrorize the opposition and general electorate leading to the polls, and on voting day deploys the entire national army to secure a tactically measured handful of polling stations?
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What was that? Are we supposed to smile at the gross disefranchisement of the poor people, dying for a change, daring the odds, turning out in droves, only to be turned away after waiting for days on long queues? Is it still so "dark on the continent" that we cannot see? All those who say yes to this farce are nothing but a bunch of cowards! [ show full text ]
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Patrick Sneh Davis, Sugar Land, Texas, USA 17 Mar 2002
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Mugabe has done it again, he has managed to beat and kill people and can still get away with it. When will the people of Zimbabwe realise that they mean nothing to him and that he will keep on promising things he can't produce? I am a Zimbabwean who had to leave due to what was going on and I miss my home.
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Daniel Weller, Australia, Perth 16 Mar 2002
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The election was free and fair to me. The African observers from S. Africa and Nigeria said the same, along with the justice ministry of Zimbabwe. The Westerners do not want this leadership that is why they are criticising the election outcome.
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If the Florida vote was free and fair, to the extent that the supreme court have to determine the winner, I do not know which election will ever be fraud.
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Austin Vah, St. Paul, MN, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Even to seriously speak of this travesty is to give Mugabe more than he deserves. I find it incredible that so many people fail to grasp the significance of this non-event, not only for Zimbabwe, but for all Africa. Do the African leaders who deal with Mugabe think that by not criticizing him they will, in some way, secure themselves in their own positions? Are African leaders so pharaonic that they think the world will put up with them forever?
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J. Hutton, New York, USA 16 Mar 2002
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It is a shame that situations and issues are so often broken into two sides and two sides only. Most things are more complex than that.
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The many African nations who express support for Mugabe and the election are doing so with the idea that they are supporting Africa as a whole. Mugabe ignored the land issue until his popularity was failing. Before that he and Zanu-PF took back land to give only to high officals, not to the people. Now he is creating fear and chaos, ruining the economy further at the expence of the population, all to remain in power.
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The leaders of the African nations who express approval of the elections would better serve the continent if they understood that supporting the well-being and rights of the people of one of their nations would be the best support and gain for Africa, not the endorsement of a corrupt government. It is not about the West and Africa, but about the people of Zimbabwe who deserve the right to vote as they choose, without closed polls, without violence, without fear. [ show full text ]
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Rebecca Morton, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA 16 Mar 2002
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It is very disheartening and extremely frustrating to have to listen to Africans mimicking Europe and North America in chastizing Robert Mugabe for daring to stand against modern colonialism, theft and the racism of all those who would rather see the so-called white farmers continue to own the best agricultural land in Zimbabwe while the indigenous people, indeed the owners of the land, are relegated to the status of landless peasants in the land of their forefathers.
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These apologists and pseudo- Europeans, in their desire to sound, think and look like Europeans would rather skirt the real issue -which is the restoration of the rights of Zimbabweans to their ancestral land, and instead demonize a true African leader who doesn't give a damn what the Blairs and Bushes of this world feel about the prospect of their kith and kin being left landless when ownership of this valuable resource shifts ownership. [ show full text ]
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Mzimkhulu ka Nyeka, Lancaster, PA USA 16 Mar 2002
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Does it occur to those who spiritedly defend Mugabe that it's indefensible, in the first place, for anyone to be president for over 20 years and still want to stay on? If Mugabe rules (nay, misrules) for another 6 years, he would have done nearly 30 years, and would be 84 years old. Why? Is this some monarchy or something? Shame! shame!! shame!!!
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Akwasi Aidoo, New York 16 Mar 2002
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Usually I am against 'the big men' in Africa. However there is a freshness about the current crop of leaders. Maybe it is driven by the belated realisation that the West will support a cause as long as it serves their interests. Hate or like him, Mugabe's victory is a victory for true independence of Africa. And who are the West anyway to lecture and judge Africa on how they conduct their affairs? Do we tell them how to conduct theirs?
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EU, IMF, World Bank and others can go ahead and impose all the sanctions they can for all the difference it makes. In fact these neo-colonialist organisations do no good to the continent apart from perpetuate dependency, chaos and concomitant strings (and that includes CNN, BBC and other propaganda tools). [ show full text ]
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David, Nairobi, Kenya 16 Mar 2002
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It is such a disappointment to the African nations. So far democracy has failed in Africa. There are only two leaders in Africa who have retired without making others suffer.
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What is happening in Africa is not the colonial powers' fault. We can not blame them for what is going on now. The young, uneducated and jobless are used to killing others for greedy leaders. We older ones who were born during colonial times, thought we could see Africans governing our countries but what we have seen so far is a disaster. Each person is fighting to be a leader in order to be rich. They have no love for their countries and their people.
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We thought we were independent but that independence we dreamed of has not come yet. A continent full of mineral resorces yet it can not even feed its people and has to depend on aid. [ show full text ]
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Choziwa, Stockholm, Sweden 16 Mar 2002
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I must congratulate the majority of Africans who are making reasoned conclusions about the Zim election in this debate. We must stay this course and not resort to name calling. Don't use ad hominem attacks - as Kofi Akwabi-Ameyaw did by calling me a racist; and I am not sitting in comfort in Atlanta. As a person of Public Health I spend as much time in Africa dealing with HIV/Aids and tuberculosis as I do in Atlanta. I think Andre Marongwe, Sad Huss and Abalu K have summarised what this election was all about. Read what they wrote again.
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Thanks to allAfrica.com for providing us with this forum.
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Aminu Wouba, Atlanta, Ga, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Why is it that in the rural areas, traditionally a Zanu-PF stronghold, there were plenty of polling stations open at all the right hours, Yet in the urban areas, a more MDC stronghold, the number of polling stations were reduced and they were not open at all the right times? If that is not vote-rigging, then what is?
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Mugabe has ruled for 20+ years, yet the poor innocent Zimbabweans still need to put their lives at risk by crossing the Limpopo to work illegally in South Africa. Come on people, Mugabe has destroyed a wonderful country, reduced those super people to poverty and - listen to this - kept most of his people illiterate, thereby ensuring their ignorance and vote. Mbeki has done more in a few years to improve literacy than Mugabe has in over 20 years. [ show full text ]
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Ronald Devy, South Africa 16 Mar 2002
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It is so sad that African leaders just don't get it. The elections in Zimbabwe were rigged - pure and simple. It is such a shame that leaders like Mugabe who fought hard to gain freeedom for their countries and respect for themselves lose it through selfishness, greed and pomposity.
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To be supported by his partners in crime, the so-called African leaders, leaves me convinced that these warlords only care about their own interests - not the interests of the masses. Their intentions are to hold on to power at all cost - even if it means dragging and keeping their countries down.
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Yesterday it was Zambia. Today Zimbabwe. In the meantime unscrupulous, greedy and psychotic idiots like Charles Taylor of Liberia are taking notes. Is there hope for the likes of Liberia? [ show full text ]
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Theodore Hodge (Liberian), Cleveland, Ohio 16 Mar 2002
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Ataal Nicol of LA, might I tell you how naive and repondent you are!
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Do you not realize that America had a personal gain in Iraq! Do you not realize that America had already been itching for a fight with Saddam Hussein and the Kurd thing was just an excuse!
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And do you not realize all the things you mentioned require $$$ and America doesn't want to spend its precious money on poor Africans just because they are being oppressed.
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You do not realize this because you are living in the "comforts" of La.
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So don't insult the Libyans,Chinese, or Koreans, just because they are trying to spend money to improve the lives of Africans.
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Hamid al-Turkani, Tripoli, Libya 16 Mar 2002
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Mugabe appears to have gambled (correctly) that if he could pull off a Bush-style 'victory' he could weather the storm of the ensuing 'outrage' and continue to rule with impunity. Of course the reason they singled him out over all the other African 'democratic' despots who also use coercion and/or co-optation to perpetuate their rule is that he, after years of playing ball with the west, ran out of options and decided to play the land card.
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While the opposition represented genuine antipathy towards Mugabe, they were not offering any real alternative - and since when did the US and Britain support opposition groups against African dictators?
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In sum, the re-election of Mugabe was not so much a betrayal of 'democracy', but an affirmation of the new, late capitalist standards of democracy - to win by hook or by crook and then rationalize things later. [ show full text ]
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Joe Wanzala, San Francisco, CA, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Robert Mugabe's "Jim Crow" restrictions to keep a more popular political opponent from winning the election are an embarrassment to Africa, made all the worse by the support that he has received from other African heads of state. These dictators who thwart democracy care more about their own ambitions than they do the welfare of the people they claim to represent.
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Mugabe alone has cost the region $36 billion in economic development and doomed an entire generation of Zimbabweans to poverty...is it any wonder Africa is so poor?
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Pete Oliver, Texas, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Robert Mugabe's so-called victory and all the support he is getting around the African continent shows how democratic African leaders are. History must vindicate the just in Zimbabwe.
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Engr. J.U.Oha, Port Harcourt, Nigeria 16 Mar 2002
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The people of Zimbabwe were robbed of their right to express themselves in the just ended election. That right must be restored before we see massive uprising.
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The land allocation has also been unfair. Please redefine the meaning of free and fair before we ask you to ge back to school. Some observers were promised that land, just like the Zanu-PF Chiefs.
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Joe, SHEFFIELD/ UK 16 Mar 2002
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I am one supporter of MDC frustrated by what seems to be lack of an idiological stand point apart from change Mugabe. This does not appeal to a sane person. Their policies are the same policies that failed Zimbabwe Between 1980 and 1990. Policies that seek to protect minority rights are good but not rights over ill-gotten land.
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I am frustrated with the way MDC seemed to have banked all their hope on the international community. MDC banked so much on Harare and Chitungwiza. I am frustrated with your call for sanctions there. There is nothing that is called targeted sunctions. How targeted are targeted sunctions. Guys, go back to the drawing board and look for a sound political base other than changing Mugabe. [ show full text ]
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Mwana Wevhu, Zimbabwean 16 Mar 2002
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Of course it wasn't fair. What about those people who weren't allowed to vote? I'm sure the result would have been different if they did vote. There might have been bread and stability.
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This current president is playing the "race card" and both he and his cronies wouldn't want to give up all the money they're pilfering. The country's going down the tubes so fast, I can't believe it's allowed. I wouldn't be surprised if civil war breaks out!!
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Karla, Canada 16 Mar 2002
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There is no way Mugabe could have won these elections and throughout the campaign I knew that the elections would be rigged as is always the case in corrupt African regimes
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Africa needs forward thinking rulers who care about the development and wellbeing of its people regardless of their colour.
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People are not worried about the land issue but for their welfare, development and peace
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Godfrey Iga, London England 16 Mar 2002
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To my brothers in South Africa I say beware, for Mbeki is beginning to show is true colours. "Quiet Dimplomacy" is coming your way very soon. He'll be flogging you with a stick in one hand while soothing you with the other. I say take note and pay attention, for you're up next ......
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Mhlanga, Johannesburg, RSA 16 Mar 2002
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Neither ZANU-PF nor the MDC will be able to improve the quality of life for the suffering people of Zimbabwe.
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Zimbabweans should now be putting their heads together on how to move forward and make their country a better place for all.
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All over the world there are always and there will always be political winners and losers! So if your party happens to be on the recieving end then you just have to "take it on the chin".
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Ceasar Kerali, London, UK 16 Mar 2002
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Neither the just concluded Zimbabwe nor the United States 2000 presidential election had been free or fair. At least, the Zimbabwe Supreme Court did not choose Mugabe.
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NONSO OKEREAFOEZEKE, CULLOWHEE, NC, USA 16 Mar 2002
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The theme of the African Development Report (2001) is fostering good governance in Africa and the authors (the staff of the African Development Bank) explain that the theme is motivated "by the realization that good governance, in its political, social, and economic dimensions, underpins sustainable human development and the reduction of poverty". The report says at the base of good governance are representative government, an ongoing dialogue between the "governed" and "governers" and an active participation by the people.
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"These basic facts bring to the fore the importance of a vigilant and free media, which must provide a bedrock for democratic exchange and respect for human rights."
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Also, the New Partnership for Africa's Development launched last year says "development is impossible in the absence of true democracy". [ show full text ]
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Jabulani Sikhakhane, Cambridge, Massachusetts 16 Mar 2002
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The election of Robert Mugabe is symbolic of the saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. No rational human being can say the elections in Zimbabwe were fair or free. The process was, like many other elections in Africa, subverted, tactically manipulated, and grossly compromised to guarantee reelection of the current occupant.
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No one was suprised to hear other African leaders categorize the elctions as fair, free, and democtratic. Most African leaders are just as power hungry as Mr. Mugabe and would not attempt to criticize a system they themselves know they will use.
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Mr. Mugabe was once a respected leader in Africa and indeed the whole world. But during his twenty-two years of hanging onto power, he has reduced Zibambwe, once a wealthy and self-sufficient nation, to one of the poorest nations on earth. [ show full text ]
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Gabriel Stephen, Virginia Beach, VA, USA 16 Mar 2002
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What's amazing is how many of Mugabe's supporters live in the US or Canada. What hypocrites! They are all for tyranny, so long as they don't have to live under it.
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But when it comes down to THEM and where they want to live, they rush off to the great Satan, the leading white country of the world.
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WM Hendricks, Virginia, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Living in UK for the last 27 years has taught me one lesson. Whites will always support whites. Tony Blair(has invited white IRA terrorists into Govt) and Bush(albeit his Miami election fraud, supports Israeli whites, no matter what).
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Then the rationalisation begins. This is to justify their positions. The newspapers of the left or right will join in with half-truths, innuendos; blatant stereotypical arguments will be unveiled in the name press freedom. In the end the black man will still be to blame.
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Mugabe's stupidity is not to be tactical with his own people and thus providing an escape for Tony Blair and George Bush to justify their peculiar imperialistic views and sanctions-strategy against innocent Zimbabweans. Remember Margaret Thatcher opposed such sanctions when whites were in charge in South Africa. Then as now, arguments were provided to rationalise for a racist regime. The solution lies in Africans solving their own problems. Period. [ show full text ]
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Chama, London, England 16 Mar 2002
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If anyone from Cape to Cairo, Toronto to Tokyo, Beijing to Berlin thinks Mugabe will bow to international criticism or something of that sort, then that person is just joking. As long as he exist, Mugabe will do what he deems necessary and the only solution is to kill him.
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I wont be surprised to see Mugabe contesting for the 2008 presidential elections and by then he will be something like 84. He is a hard man and I am a Zimbabwean, you can bear with me. As long as he exists, you can never tamper with him. Look at his Mercedes BENZ number plate. It reads ZIM-1, INDICATING HE is number 1 in ZIM, if not in Africa or in the entire world. [ show full text ]
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Bruce Mutsvairo, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 16 Mar 2002
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This election scam is such a shame. I was in Zimbabwe over a year ago in the fall of 2000, and at that time it was clear that everyone, even those that I spoke with in rural areas, were fed up with Mugabe. They were anxious to get rid of him even then; the more educated people were embarrassed for their country's image in the rest of the world.
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I was in Ghana just after Zimbabwe and they were in the middle of an election campaign to oust their entrenched government and the people were also worried that the election would not be fair; but with outside observers and a fair election, the opposition won in Ghana. So there is hope for Zimbabwe, but only with the help of the outside world now. [ show full text ]
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Susan Frisbee, Boston, MA 16 Mar 2002
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Mugabe won unfairly; he has never trusted democracy, he has always spoken against parliamentary democracy, he only believes in violent struggle. He said he wouldn't accept the election result if Tsvangirai won: do we need anything else to judge him?
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Have you ever heard Mr. Blair saying he wouldn't accept an opposition victory? Does that happen in a democracy?
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Africa is still too unclear about democracy. There must be in Africa a clear position by all democratic leaders about it. Obasanjo, Mbeki, Wade all must speak against dictatorships and false elections. Only then would democracy be born in Africa.
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Riccardo Fabiani, Rome, Italy 16 Mar 2002
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This outrage and condemnation of Zimbabwe by the West is so laughable. Now that the Whites in that country are hopefully about to be put in their place and the disenfranchised native Africans given some land and allowed some measure of dignity, the West is all of a sudden interested.
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I am always disgusted and amazed that White people will always want people of color to "play fair" as soon as things are supposedly equal, but for so many years they will exploit and disenfranchise people of color as long as they can. People, this is a country that "gained" independence in 1980!
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When will people of color wake up and realize that White people divide and conquer us and sit back and laugh at the results and reap the rewards of our confusion? [ show full text ]
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Wayne Alleyne, New York, USA 16 Mar 2002
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All Africans have the right to a free and fair election. Their leaders should know that clinging on to power for ever is a crime.
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Africans should take care more of their countries and homelands. My love for Africa is so great that I think she is the mother of all lands.
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Vicky Ghanem, Beirut-Lebanon 16 Mar 2002
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Mugabe has failed on the moral responsibility of running the elections in a free and fair manner. We are presented with evidence that reporters were forced to report from across the borders and not from within. Is that Free? What about the mass population that is soon to suffer from hunger? Do you understand what it means to go hungry? Do you understand what Africa's biggest problem is? Greed and Lifetime leadership is the middle name of these post colonial leaders.
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I beleive if Zimbabwe's elections were to be free and fair they would have approved journalists to work in the country. Where in the world have you seen countries being run by one man for twnty two years? Only in Africa. Mind you these are not kingdoms. These are supposed to be sovereign states. A lot of people live in fear of being brutalised. Southern Africa has been infested with leadership that resists change. [ show full text ]
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JM, USA 16 Mar 2002
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I think we should not debate the election fairness in Zimbabwe, nor the darkness of night with Mugabe supporters. The dark continent is ruled by brutal despots and military executives interested in monetary gains including selling of the region's natural resources for personal gain.
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For example, Abachi in Nigeria - deposited more than $US5.4 billion in Swiss accounts. Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire was once the world's riches man in one of the world's poorest countries, and Mugabe has deposited millions with the sale of stolen natural resources from the DR of Congo.
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Zimbabwe, once a prosperous country, with mismanagement under Mugabe, now has 60% umployment (with the military and forces of oppression living the good life), 500, 000 are in desperate need of nutrition (including babies and youth),with 4,000,000 + at risk. [ show full text ]
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Ataal Nicol, Los Angeles, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Having lived chaos called elections in Cameroon and seen the reaction of the so called Western nations, I am appalled by their double standards when it comes to Zimbabwe.
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Tsvangirai owes a special duty to the people of his country and Africa to prove that he is a nationalist and not another neo-colonial stooge, for we are tired of these traitors.
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Let's hail Zimbabwe for hosting a President of this magnitude who bases his governance on patriotism, not treachery and betrayal.
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We of the African renaisance have seen in him the man who drove the west from Zaire, who has decreed peace for Angola and Mozambique, and who stands against Western concept of divide and rule and the brutal and heartless exploitation of Africa. [ show full text ]
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Chi Zama, Leicester, England 16 Mar 2002
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Mugabe's option is to form a unity government, having Morgan Tsvangirai as the vice President or re-elections of which if they are be fair then he will not win at all.
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I know Mugabe is clinging onto power because he has been unlawful and once he lets go he is going straight to jail. He personally knows he is too old to rule and has to assign a puppet as president so that he doesn't go to jail, we want to let him know we are aware of that. Why do you hide the fact that you always fall ill but you don't want the people of Zimbabwe to know.
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OLD MAN WE ARE WATCHING YOU VERY CAREFULLY.
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"Jonathan Moyo, ZANU PF", Harare Zimbabwe 16 Mar 2002
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When those members of the ANC who declared the election free and fair from South Africa are challenged by legitimate opposition will they also resort to the massive intimidation like Zanu PF did to the MDC? The true colours of South Africa's rulers are showing in there biased statements.
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To all those still trying in Zimbabwe "Aluta Continua". Let's show Mugabe what the third Chimurenga really means.
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Bradley van Blomestein, South Africa 16 Mar 2002
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That the elections in Zimbabwe were declared free and fair by some of the African Observers is more than absurd to say the least. Given the pictures of violence and intimidation we watched on T.V, THERE IS NEED FOR THESE PEOPLE TO RE-EXAMINE THEMSELVES. They have hidden the truth at the expense of being nice to Mugabe!
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Dr Makaya Denge, Gaborone - Botswana 16 Mar 2002
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Self imposed president Mugabe, a perfect dictator, must not be allowed by both Zimbabweens and the international community to continue discrediting Africa and democracy.
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In the name of peace and good governance he must be pushed out of power. He has done enough damage to the subcontinent. Other political thugs like him must also be forced to resign.
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Khethang Jane, Lesotho 16 Mar 2002
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It is sad as an African to witness once again the selfishness of leaders who once fought for the independence of African countries. Mugabe thinks because he was a lead figure in the liberation of Zimbabwe, he should be appointed president for life.
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When will African politicians have the courage Leopold Senghor had in Senegal? How many more young lives is he willing to sacrifice by clinging on to power? Let's not forget that there will be more refugees (political and economic)in the neighboring African states and across the world. Because of his kind, many African intellectuals and scholars are forced to live and work in already developed nations overseas while their help is so badly needed in their native countries. [ show full text ]
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Aka Kakou (kak@aol.com), Maryland, USA 16 Mar 2002
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The Zimbabwe elections ought to have been declared not free and fair even before they took place. For how can they be said to be otherwise when weeks before the elections the country's army chief goes public would stage a coup and take over the government? If this is not gross and outrageous voter intimidation then I would like to be told what it exactly is! Surely the army chief did not act independently, as we do not recall President Mugabe rebuking him for his statement.
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African leaders continue to hold wrong perceptions about democratic elections. Whenever their governments become unpopular by their failure to develop their people, they go for the race card -- trying to convince us that the colonialists (read: Europeans) want to come back to rule us. I will not buy that. If it is re-colonisation, then that is what they are aleady doing, through their financial support, without which many of our countries cannot survive. [ show full text ]
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Hilal K. Sued, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 16 Mar 2002
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As a zimbabwean, I salute what my compatriotes did in choosing MUGABE to be the next President of my country. Everyone else who is not a Zimbabwean should not condemmn that election as the people knew who they were voting for.
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The MDC is a puppet party whose agenda is inconsistent with the ideals of the majority, they represent interests that are foregn not only to Zimbabwe, but to the whole of Africa and to black people as a whole. They did not know what hit them until they had gone under. The MDC is a myopic party that cannot read the mood of its electorate. The British gave them the impression that they were winning the election,which was all wrong. They also had no clear land policy hence they always said that the problem in Zimbabwe was not about land but about mismanagement,what a shame? [ show full text ]
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Andre Marongwe, Dallas Tx, USA 16 Mar 2002
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I am not from Zimbabwe but I am from Africa and follow closely the situation in Zimbabwe. Those who say that the election has been cheated, do they have proof? Everywhere worldwide, every time any political party does not win elections, always the member of that party raises issues. It hapened in Uganda at the point that the opposition leader had to flee. It happened in USA but sanctions were not imposed.
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Alexis, Toronto, Canada 16 Mar 2002
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Mugabe brings shame to Africa!!!
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He has done what he could inside Zimbabwe. He forgot that the world community was looking. I cannot wait to see how he is going to pull it off. He does not think of anybody else but himself.
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Ono, Columbus, Ohio, USA 16 Mar 2002
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Following editorial pieces, western media, and history one comes to conclude, with the hopes we must all have as Africans, that with determination we can all win the struggle for economic emancipation in Africa.
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It all begins with land, which Nyerere calls the most necessary basic economic resource God has given mankind. Mugabe, against all odds, has shown to the world that the billions of world enemies; within and especially outside Africa, may never undermine his individual and national collective fate. If we can also stand the pressures of the world, Africa may come out of the economic mess she finds herself.
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Mugabe has shown that African leaders will never just be economic stooges of western manipulation. If we claim elections were not free and fair, any measure given to Mugabe must also be extended to the US for free and fair elections were non-existent in the 2000 US elections. [ show full text ]
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Zuze Pedro, Dallas, Texas, USA (Malawi/Mozambican) 15 Mar 2002
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I don't think I am missing any facts about how Zimbabwe's election went. It was anything but fair and not even Mugabe himself has the courage to face the world or even his nation to say he won fairly.
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As for Mbeki - sir, your diplomatic performance is despicable, to say the least. I wonder if you are not seeing youself in Mugabe. I wonder what it is that you owe him? What you did was a gross misrepresentation of the people of South Africa. I am curious to see how you'll behave when your turn comes.
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South African Black Citizen, New York, USA 15 Mar 2002
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The fraudulent presidential elections in Zimbabwe may please African leaders in South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia and certain other dictatorships, but Zimbabweans can take some comfort that the countries that have the economic clout have stood by Zimbabweans seeking genuine change.
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These countries, that is, the ones that do not uphold their own peoples' democratic values, will - one day - pay the price. They are giving open support to a brutal and repressive demagogue who leads a most corrupt regime, they have destroyed a promising country which will recede even further.
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So much for Thabo Mbeki's African renaissance; it will now be destined for the dustbin. He obviously is insincere to the majority of Zimbabweans who are a peace-loving people who sought change through legitimate means. [ show full text ]
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Nazir Lunat, Stockton, California. USA 15 Mar 2002
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Whilst I disapprove of violence in any democratic exercise, I feel the perception of the violence as a unilateral political weapon by Mugabe has been overplayed by those who want us to believe it is violence just for that.
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The question is, what justification do 4,000 men have for owning almost half of the best land in the country?
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Dumas, Brooklyn, NY, USA 15 Mar 2002
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It is laughable - in a tragic way - that monitors from such "democratic" icons as Nigeria, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya et al declare the election legitimate! I guess with China declaring the elctions legitimate as well it must be so! The solidarity of corruption doesn't affect Europe or the United States it merely consigns Africa to continued economic stagnation and irrelevance. I am sure the thought of true democracy in Zimbabwe terrifies most other governments in the region for they realize they might be next if their countrymen decide to demand real democracy. When the MDC is finally allowed to take it's legitimate place as the government of Zimbabwe, I hope they will remember the disregard and lack of support they were afforded by their "friends" in Africa!! [ show full text ]
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Charles E. Waterbury, Dallas, Texas, USA 15 Mar 2002
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Hey, you bunch of armchair politicians who are trying to compare the Zimbabwean electoral heist to the American election, are almost hilarious!! Maybe you don't understand.
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In Florida the debate was over taking a citizen's voting slip and deciding who the vote went to. In Zimbabwe they were teargassed away from the polling booth without a vote.
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In America the governor of Florida allowed the democrats to use the radio, TV and newspapers to campaign. In Zimbabwe the MDC couldn't buy advertising.
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In Florida the supreme court's decisions were final, no matter for or against. In Zimbabwe the Supreme courts decisions were overruled, ignored and removed by Mugabe.
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In Florida democrats (two) and republicans (one) were counting the dubious votes together. In Zimbabwe the MDC election monitors are in jail ... still (1400 of them). [ show full text ]
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Sandy, Tampa FL, USA 15 Mar 2002
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The election in Zimbabwe has received so much attention because it was about the fate of the few Whites who own most of the arable land there. The Europeans and Americans are interested to ensure that the rights of their fellow whites in Zimbabwe are respected. Otherwise, if it only involved Black Africans fighting amongst themselves, the West would not have been involved. There have been elections elsewhere in Africa in which the conduct was not free and fair but the West never got involved. The Zimbabwe election is therefore special due to the "White factor".
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Sad Huss, Davis, California 15 Mar 2002
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I do not know Zimbabwe, but as a political activist, I have read a great deal about the country and for many years have been interested in its political and economic strife.
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What surprises me about all of those champions of democracy in Africa (almost all of them Westerners who still hold neo- and colonialist ideals) pick and choose what is democracy for them. Not until Zimbabwe intervened in the Democratic Republic of Congo to pulverize the Anglo-American plans to reconquer and recolonize that country had we witnessed such a bitter and vicious attack on Mugabe's Zimbabwe.
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In this vein, the elections which were held in March 2001 in Uganda were free and fair, therefore democratic, because they returned to power an Anglo-American stooge whose name is Museveni and whose ambitions are to deliver DRC and the region to the Anglo-American empire. [ show full text ]
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Gasaraba Karabura, Canada 15 Mar 2002
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Neither free nor fair. There is no freedom in Zimbabwe, there has never been, only the madness of the day is becoming unprecedented. There is no need for any sane person to legitimise these elections. Only the South Africans, Moi of Kenya, and other dictators do so.
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NMA, Cambridge 15 Mar 2002
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I feel that the West had no right to condem the election result. No election can ever be totally free and fair. Black people are almost always disenfranchised in the USA, and that is not considered an issue. The only reason why the West is now upset is because they are experiencing what they have doing to people of color.
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ON, Hyattsville, MD, USA 15 Mar 2002
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I hope some people stop being naive! President Mugabe won the 2002 Zimbabwean Presidential Elections fair and square, so stop verbally harassing him and the people of Zimbabwe.
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Is it so hard to believe that he was prefered as president of Zimbabwe by the people of Zimbabwe to the English-puppet Morgan Tsvangirai? He won, ok? To those people in denial, he won because the people of Zimbabwe prefer him to be president. Just because the EU or Tony Blair don't like him, doesn't mean he cheated.
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Prime Minister Blair, I didn't hear you convey a message like that when president Bush stole the American elections!
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Abdiqasim Sultan, Seattle, Washington, USA 15 Mar 2002
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Any monitoring group that approves the 'intimidation' that is an election in Zimbabwe is against the democratization process in Africa. It is a shame for any Government to give approval to a thing like this.
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Jimmy Adibe Ohakaba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 15 Mar 2002
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It is a shame for the West to attack Zimbabwe's election as if it is the first election in Africa. Zimbabwe is not the only country in Africa; I want the West to put in the same effort to control all elections in Africa.
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Do you forget Eyadema (from Togo) who spent almost 40 years in power and still wants to go for another election? Why don't America and Europe tell the truth about the election in Togo? We have got more than 50 Mugabes in Africa.
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America and Europe just want to protect their lost brothers in Zimbabwe. It is time for Africa to come together for the benefit of African people.
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Abalo K, London 15 Mar 2002
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Comparing the Zimbabwe election to the American election is like comparing apples and coconuts. At least we all know Bush will be gone within four or eight years. There is no chance of him staying in office forever. Mugabe should simply declare himself "Dictator for Life" and be honest with himself and the world...
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Jake, Japan 15 Mar 2002
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I see that now South Africa and Nigeria are calling for a government of national unity in Zimbabwe. What a joke. Tsvangirai should not associate or dine with the devil or else he will be a partner to the devilishness. It will be a great travesty for Tsvangirai to agree to this as this will legitimise Mugabe and make a mockery of the people.
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Mugabe murdered, maimed, raped and displaced. Mugabe got away with the murder and rape of the Ndebele, we cannot allow him to do so again. What lessons will we be giving to all posterity in Zimbabwe? In Shona we say, whoever basks by the fire of a thief becomes a thief; if Tsvangirai agrees to collude with Mugabe then he is just as bad. [ show full text ]
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John Chemhuru, Bristol, UK 15 Mar 2002
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I see that a number of fellow Africans are quite supportive of Mugabe and his policies. As A Zimbabwean I do not support Mugabe and never will. I disagree with violence for whatever end - the legacies of colonialism need to be resolved but not the way Mugabe is doing it. We want to do it legally and within the confines of natural justice.
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Mugabe is just power-hungry and cares nothing for land, period. If he did care, then what was he doing for the last 22 years? He apparently had forgotten until the threat of loss of power reminded him of unfinished business.
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Today Mugabe and his cronies are walking around with fat necks and bulging bellies while the rest of the country starves and he has the audacity to blame the commercial farmers and Tony Blair for his predicament. [ show full text ]
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Fikile Mpofu, Bristol, UK 15 Mar 2002
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Did any of those self-proclaimed professional election monitors ever experience a democratic election?
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Joseph Kalinga, Cairo 15 Mar 2002
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My South African government disgusts me!! I am ashamed to say that Mbeki is my president - he is the laughing stock of the entire international community, first with his ridiculous AIDS statements and now with his acceptance of the Zimbabwean election outcomes!! He has managed to destroy the wonderful legacy that Mandela left him, in a very short space of time...
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I find it hard to believe that Mbeki's actually an educated man...God help Southern Africa, if men like Mbeki and Mugabe are to show the way forward.
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Jacky Burger, Wisconsin,USA 15 Mar 2002
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Shame on to Mugabe and his corrupt system. Why can our leaders not recognize when it is time to leave the stage and do so honorably?
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Mugabe is commander in chief of the army and he decided to put soldiers in charge of polling stations while systematically excluding members of the opposition. Polling stations were deliberately opened late in opposition strongholds. Voter intimidation was equally widespread in the cities. The Zimbabwean people have been cheated and will be ruled for five more years by a man who has clearly outlived his usefulness as a statesman.
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Zimbabweans, please don't resort to violence to get back what is duly yours. Mugabe does not love his country anymore and he wants it destroyed. Don't help him get his way. I just hope that the international community will not give him red carpet treatment when he ventures outside of Zimbabwe. I'm clearly embarassed by South Africa's reaction. [ show full text ]
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Godlove Ntaw, Port-au-Prince, Haiti 15 Mar 2002
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I just wanted to remind some people that the West did not lose an election. The West is not worse of now than it was before last weekend. Life in Europe will not change whether Mugabe is still president or not. 90% of all Europeans do not bother a minute about any election in Africa.
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Millions of Zimbabweans do bother. They are treated like a bunch of childred who are supposed to listen and keep quiet when papa speaks.
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Jonathan Namelada, Dar es Salaam 15 Mar 2002
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It seems many Africans do not care about Africa at all. Are we so blinded by colonialism that we cannot correct our own people when they go wrong? Our brothers in Zimbabwe are being oppressed and all we do is blame the west.
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Are we going to blame the West again for NOT INTERFERING as happened in Burundi/Rwanda? Come on Africa, we can perform better than this. Nutty election observers declare it 'free, fair and legitimate' after two of their own were mugged by ZANU-PF thugs! It's gonna come back to haunt us in our backyard, only that then, we won't have the whites to blame.
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Thomas, Mombasa, Kenya 15 Mar 2002
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As someone who happens to know Zimbabwe very well I am not the least surprised by the outcome of the presidential elections. I am worried, however, by some of the commentaries here from privileged run-aways from Africa that make me cringe for our suffering relatives and friends on the continent who are stuck with an evil system and don't have anywhere to immigrate.
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For instance, Patrick N'lembo writes from the comforts of Louvain, Belgium, where he avails himself of all the basic rights and freedoms of speech, to talk about "the double standard of Western Countries" toward Zimbabwe. Likewise, Aminu Wouba, taking full advantage of the protected rights given to him freely by the founders of America, sits in Atlanta, Georgia, and uses the technology and means provided by the "whiteman" to expose the naivete of his true racists logic. He asks: "Why don't those white Zims come here to America where their white skins will confer on them the kinds of advantages that they are seeking in Africa?". [ show full text ]
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Kofi Akwabi-Ameyaw, Turlock, California, USA 15 Mar 2002
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If we should change to the African version of ideals and morality then the whole world could be messed up with no hope whatsoever. We would see the return of the dark ages.
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Caisin, Kowloon, HK 15 Mar 2002
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Africans will not remain naive for ever. It is illogical for Western countries to seek sanctions against Robert Mugabe under the pretext that he stole votes. George Bush stole votes, and so did Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, as well as the Zambian president. What sanctions did the Western countries impose against these people's countries?
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Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who is the darling of the Western countries, has never dreamed to even hold presidential elections, but no Western countries have sought to impose sanctions on Rwanda. Should we call this double-standard politics of the Western countries "democracy"?
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Further, Rwanda and Uganda have broken fundamental intenational law and invaded the Democratic Republic of Congo with the financial and military support of Western countries. They have occupied Congo territory for 4 years now, looted Congo's natural resources, and massacred more than 3.5 million civilians in Congo. Yet no Western countries have dared to condemn or impose sanctions on them simply because Kagame and Museveni are the workhorses of Western financial interests in Africa. Should we call this "democracy"? [ show full text ]
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Nicolas Tom, Canada 15 Mar 2002
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President Mugabe is a treasure for Africa. I am glad Zimbabweans have not forgotten how he fought so that Rhodesia is no more.
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Dr. Joy Kyamunyogonya, Boise, Idaho, USA 15 Mar 2002
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President Mbeki is indeed facing a tough decision. The Zimbabwean election has divided the world into white versus black, north versus south, Africa versus Europe and America. This, I believe makes President Mbeki's decision that more easy.
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President Mbeki, stand behind your fellow African because Europe and America are doing the same.
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M Omar, Edmonton,Canada 15 Mar 2002
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It amazes me to see how people are reacting to the outcome of the presidential elections in Zimbabwe. How quick we forget! George Bush Vs Al Gore. What is the difference?
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Let's not forget that true democracy has not etched its way into Africa. It is for us to start the planning for the year 2015 when the young minds will start taking charge. To me this is their time and I don't give a hoot about who rules.
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The damage has been done and it's up to us to start thinking progressively about how we're going to mend the damage done to our continent. I remember when the very people complaining were housed in projects by the white regime. It took America 400 years to be where they are. Let the smart minds do the math. [ show full text ]
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Mlatu Hankoni, Chicago, U.S.A. 15 Mar 2002
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This is largely a response to comments made by Prince Babalawo (Germany): Are you suggesting that the alledged interference on internal matters is more important than a free and fair election? People spent days in line waiting to vote, of which some did not. To you that's trivial compared to the 'interference' being perpetrated by the west.
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Mugabe should be held accountable where he has failed. The west did not stand in line to vote; the west did not have monitors/observers on site, some of their reporters were even barred from entering Zimbabwe.
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I find it funny that you prescribe Europe as the disease that we must rid of, yet you are there in the 'belly of the beast' [Europe] enjoying the very rights, priviledges, free expression and amenities that we back here in Zimbabwe (& Africa) are being denied by our black brothers! Talk about irony. Come back home! [ show full text ]
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James, Bluff Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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Currently our President C.A. Ciampi is visiting S.A. It's a shame he is stil in that country. He should return to Italy because of what has happened in Zimbabwe and in South Africa.
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I think South Africa's accepting the false poll in Zimbabwe is very dangerous for freedom and for the concept of the rainbow nation.
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S.A. is risking to become an allied partner of a criminal state. Mr Mbeki is disappointing democracy, he is a true disappointment.
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Katzinkulos, Italy 15 Mar 2002
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African independence really is just an illusion. Mugabe's defiance against his masters is only the beginning of the struggle. He's the real first African leader to call for African economic and political independence and not be subjected to a military coup.
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He's not out of the woods yet and anything can still happen but I'd still think Africa needs more leaders like him than the likes of Mr. Morgan or Mobutu.
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Lemont Smith, US 15 Mar 2002
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The only positive thing about the ZANU-PF victory, is that it might make the people of Zimbabwe more politicized and less complacent. We can only hope that they will take to the streets and show ZANU that violence begets violence. Perhaps a non-violent revolution, such as what took place in Portugal and Czekoslovakia, is too much to hope for, but at the very least people can show that they will not be intimidated any further by these idiots in power.
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Mustafa Rashid, Cairo, Egypt 15 Mar 2002
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How Thabo Mbeki allowed Sam Motsuenyane, his observer, to come up with such a ridiculous assessment of the election amazes me. Whichever side of the line you find yourself upon in terms of political bias in this situation, you would be hard pressed to come up with the kind of report that this feeble-minded fellow produced. Surely he could see some degree of intimidation and violence? Surely he could apply more than "administrative oversight" to the reduction in polling booths in Harare? Surely he must recognise that there were marauding bands of Zanu PF youths? I noticed his glasses were very thick and that he had a grey head. I think my confidence in grey hair equaling wisdom is totally diminished and I would suggest a new pair of glasses - those are very rose-coloured. Somehow Mr. Motsuenyane, I cannot imagine you are looking for too many future jobs as an election monitor if this is the best you can come up with. [ show full text ]
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Alexander, Tampa FL 15 Mar 2002
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I cannot believe that the South African and Nigerian governments are not saying a word about what happened in Zimbabwe.
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It is clear that the elections were not free (does freedom mean that violence and intimidation are the order of the day, I think not!) or fair (people were told what to vote, not given a chance to vote (considering the polling stations in rural areas that were removed), and the opposition wasn't given a fair chance to say their say).
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To say that this election was transparent etc etc is to commit a grievous fault - why would observers be arrested and charged with espionage if it were transparent.
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All I can say is that I live in Africa (I am not sure for how much longer), and what I see appalls me - if my government cannot even be morally correct and acknowledge what was done in Zimbabwe, what are they going to do to us in the next election here? [ show full text ]
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Kate, Pretoria, South Africa 15 Mar 2002
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The issue of the election in Zimbabwe is not whether the election is free and fair or not, it is a matter of unnecessary external interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country, Zimbabwe. I would like to quote from two British journalists. Tom Walker who writes for The Times says: "I am very often asked to investigate Mugabe's bank accounts and things like that, and it is not just possible to do that, but there is tremendous pressure on journalists to approach it from that sort of angle. There is just not enough analysis of the black on black problem in Zimbabwe, and the white problem has been blown out of all proportion because certainly when you compared the number of white killed in Zimbabwe with the number of white killed in South Africa, it is extremely small" (Media Conference, London. June 2001). [ show full text ]
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Prince (Babalawo) Adigun Olosun, Ostbevern, Germany 15 Mar 2002
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Amazing! Someone says that the MDC needs an educated leader (see previous contribution). Look at what the educated leaders have done for the last 22 years. What a joke.
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Morgan is dynamic and versatile. He gave people hope. He is a true Zimbabwean.
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This week has been Zimbabwe's worst nightmare. It is outrageous that Africa's leaders are endorsing this flawed process. It just goes to show that Africa is truly a dark continent.
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Dhodho, New York 15 Mar 2002
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The people elected the person of their choice, and outsiders should stop meddling in the internal affairs of other countries, especially when the last US election was a farce.
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Walter Dawson, Baton Rouge, LA, USA 15 Mar 2002
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The 'great man' theory teaches us that a particular politician/leader (Ian Smith) was good so he did a certain thing but then the 'bad man' Robert Mugabe took over and did something else instead. This leads people to believe that if they want change they should find a 'great man' who sleeps with globalization and maneuvers him into a position of power, and leave it to him to sort things out!!
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We are all used to the scenario. You don't see your local political 'representatives' for years and suddenly when an election is called they're all swarming all over your neighborhood like flies around cow dung - the politicians and the wannabe politicians.
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In real democracy, what passes for democracy in terms of how parliament operates is in fact the complete opposite? You only have to look at the recent USA Presidential election for proof of that - the person who got the most votes didn't win the election. There were tens of thousands of people intimidated out of voting because of the colour of their skin, ballot papers laid out so confusingly that some people didn't know who they were voting for - and of course the result being declared before all the votes were counted. Now this didn't take place in some backward 'banana republic' where they're only starting to get the hang of this democracy thing. This was in the supposed 'greatest democracy in the Western World'. Oh and of course, almost half of the people didn't bother to vote at all. In fact George W. Bush was elected president with the votes of less than a quarter of those entitled to vote. [ show full text ]
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Joram, Kabale, Uganda 15 Mar 2002
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The political hara-kiri in Zimbabwe, which was referred to as general elections, was fraught with rigging and it’s nothing short of a reckless experiment. Sadly, this is the pattern all over Africa and is all the more reason why Africa will continue to witness poverty, disease and general deprivation. Africa has been saddled with sit-tight, greedy, irresponsible leaders that only think of how to empty their treasuries and deposit them in foreign banks. Unfortunately, this stolen wealth remains with these foreign banks after their death and nobody can claim them
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The Mugabes, the Mobutus and Abachas of Africa have murdered sleep and they shall sleep no more. For Mugabe, the day of reckoning is near when his sins and atrocities shall catch up with him. The history of Sergeant Doe of Liberia is still very fresh in mind. [ show full text ]
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Shakee, London 15 Mar 2002
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Mugabe if you do not get it, we don't want you as our President.
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New Generation , Gweru zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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The facts are simple. The people who managed to vote were cheated by the former president Mr. Mugabe and we will not accept him as our leader. I feel that Mr. Mugabe is no longer the president but the Zimbabwean dictator or rather ruler. He is above the law and it seems that there is nothing that we can do about it. I pray for a re-contest by other candidates where the police will not arrest election officials like they did to MDC officials. I am only 18, but with these results my life seems doomed. The other thing is, I never liked violence, but if there is to be the third liberation struggle I am for it, because there is no way that I can live like this . [ show full text ]
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Youth of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Kwekwe 15 Mar 2002
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It won’t be long before democracy takes over. All avenues are closing in now and I feel sorry for the old man because he should have left in a dignified manner way back before the elections. To all MDC supporters, please do not give up. Our chance is still to come. Continue to campaign and recruit more people into our party. We want to make sure that people make informed choices so please continue to enlighten them about our good policies. To all the executives of the MDC, we are behind you. Our efforts will surely be rewarded.
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Dorcas, Toronto, Canada 15 Mar 2002
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I am dismayed to hear that sanctions must now be imposed on Zimbabwe, which will only lead to more people starving and dying, and further frustrations and confusions amongst you, the citizens of Zimbabwe. Anyone who can convince me that this is the right course of action will receive a cheque of £1000 from myself. The point here is that whether it is ZANU-PF or MDC running the country, the problems will invariably remain unresolved.
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The only solution for Zimbabweans and indeed Africa as a whole is through unity and respect for each other's right to life.
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My other query is that can anyone please explain to me as to why it is we Africans who are so divided, so ruthless and so barbaric to each other? History has shown that these characteristics have never solved our problems but has instead exacerbated our suffering. [ show full text ]
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Ceasar Kerali, London, UK 15 Mar 2002
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It is now pointless to rant and rave about the elections. Whether Bob is in fact a great genius who chess-played everyone or whether he is in fact a mad despot, is up to the individual.
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Personally I think we have to give it up to this man for outwitting everyone. He stood firmly and strongly by his conviction. Any other leader would have wilted under such intense pressure. One day, mark my word; be it in 50 years or 100, African History books will exonerate him. Is Kwame Nkrumah not considered a great African leader now?
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Back to my point...Zimbabwe has been through a nightmare the past two years. Las from a bush fire, the entire country has been burnt. One of two things can happen. Either the country will remain burnt and charred forever, or, Bob/his successor can bring about the rains of change. We are at a crossroad. Anything can happen. [ show full text ]
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Miss E, Atlanta, GA 15 Mar 2002
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As confirmed by the Commonwealth Observers Group interim statement issued yesterday, the elections in Zimbabwe were clearly not free and fair and do not reflect the will of the people.
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My main concern is with the attitude of two of our most powerful states in Africa: South Africa and Nigeria whose observer groups have declared the results of these elections legitimate.
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I wonder what will be the implications of this partisan attitude on the rest of the continent at a time when the same two governments are touring the world begging for money for what they are claiming to be an African-owned development plan -NEPAD -which is, in fact, so heavily dependant on Western investment and financial assistance. Moreover, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights are the cornerstone of NEPAD. If our own leaders cannot take themselves and their people seriously, why should anybody else respect them or whatever plan or ideas they are suggesting for Africa's development? [ show full text ]
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B. Aimé Sangara, London, UK 15 Mar 2002
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Zimbabwe's election was abundantly fraudulent. It is striking how similar it was to the US Presidential election stolen by George Bush Junior. Mr. Bush also assumed office through bullying, fraud and denying Black people their right to vote -- the difference being one of degree.
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Mike Fleshman, New York 15 Mar 2002
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As a black Zimbabwean, I definitely know that Tsvangirai was denied a deserved victory by the thieving Mugabe. We will never recognise him as the leader of our country. He is nothing more than a scoundrel filled with a hate that is going to consume him. If any of the African countries admire him, they can have him free of charge, it will be good riddance of bad rubbish.
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John Chemhuru, Bristol UK 15 Mar 2002
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Mugabe is a thug. FULLSTOP
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Tony Tuma, Silver Spring/USA 15 Mar 2002
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The people have had their say. Who has the right to judge their choice?
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When Elections were stolen in the USA recently, the world kept quiet and the West, where democracy is said to be based, never pointed a finger at Bush.
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Today the people of Palestine are being gunned down with heavy weaponry, yet the West turns a blind eye and a deaf ear! Why?
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Let be what the people of Zimbabwe have decided. Otherwise we should tell Bush to leave office too! Let the world condemn him for cheating the election in the open.
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Jerom, Stocholm 15 Mar 2002
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The biggest loser in this botched election is democracy. While every election, including those held here in the U.S., contain elements of inconsistency, the sheer number of people who came out to vote in Zimbabwe shows that Zimbabweans are freedom loving people who exercise their democratic rights, much more than Americans living in the so-called heart of democracy. My heart goes out to all the Zimbabweans who waited for hours to exercise those rights. The democratic world should be inspired by your example!
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I have seen and read many comparisons to our own flawed election in the U.S. The difference is, here we were able to challenge the system without fear of being locked up, tortured and even killed. The same cannot be said of Zimbabwe under the Mugabe regime. [ show full text ]
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Zimbob, New York City 15 Mar 2002
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Yet Another Utterly Fraudulent Horror
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* Why were 100's of rural voters declared "illiterate" and on this premise helped in the polling booth itself by polling station officials from the ruling party as to how and where to place their "X" on their ballot paper, yet when later interviewed by the writer in a safe place away from the polling station, a cross section sampling of these same people revealed on every occasion that they had a clear and demonstrated ability to both read and write for themselves?
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* Why did many rural voters have to "run the gauntlet" of having to pass by and/or stop and show their ruling party membership cards to groups of ruling party war veterans and/or youth brigade members positioned between the front of the waiting queue of voters and the entrance to the polling station - the very people who have terrorised and raped and beaten and burnt down their homes for the past 2 long painful years? [ show full text ]
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Bob Smith 52 Grundy Street Mount Pleasant Harare
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As I expected and wanted, Tsvangirai loses in Zim, and Mugabe wins again in Zim. Now if Tsvangirai is still looking for a job, he should try to submit his short resume to the UK to represent liars or blackmailers, for that’s all he is good at.
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And I say to the MDC, choose someone better, maybe Ncube or Sibanda or one of your educated ones to try and make a real political party that can be respected in Zim, and not solely in Europe and campaign in Zim for the good of your people. Tsvangirai has proven to be a failure who even fails when all odds are with him. Now lets get over the Puppet show and start playing real politics. [ show full text ]
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Munhowe, Washington, DC 15 Mar 2002
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I am not a politician, neither do I have first hand experience with election monitoring, but after hearing and reading reports in the media, I must say that it is hard to imagine any election, whether in Zimbabwe or any country in the West for that matter, that is free and fair.
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What is interesting, however, is that most African countries do not hide the fact that they are rigging the elections. They make it very obvious and as a result, the legitimacy of such elections is questioned. There is a lot that can be said but whether it will be fruitful is another thing.
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All I can say, however, is that African leaders need to stop thinking about themselves and start considering the millions of people who are suffering in their countries. If we develop this kind of compassion, maybe it will lead to an attitude of willingness to give up our power so that more able individuals can take over. [ show full text ]
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Anonymous Kirkland, Washington 15 Mar 2002
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The whole issue of Robert the ghost is bunk. He is in power because he kills inoccent Ndebele people. I didn't realize that today we still have blind people who support the dictactorial rule of Mugabe and forget the poverty being faced by the powerless people of Zimbabwe.
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Sean, Midlesbrough UK 15 Mar 2002
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It is sad that many many Africans have played into Mugabe's supposed campaign against imperialism. It is even sadder that Africans chose to view this more as a fight against the West, at the expense of human rights and dignity. With AIDS and starvation now looming, I hope it will be these same Africans who will be at the forefront in supporting Zimbabwe. These elections have set a very bad precedent for Africa. Rest assured that many a despot has taken note of how to 'conduct' their own election.
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Tendai, Atlanta, GA (ex-Zim since March 11) 15 Mar 2002
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I feel that the countries in question that are attacking Mr. Mugabe have know concerns for the electorate as they say. There only concern is for their Multi-national companies who are the power behind the thrones in these countries and who want to control the wealth of Mother Africa at all cost. Thats it, no more no less.
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Eric (Radeem) Richardson, Atlanta, GA, USA 15 Mar 2002
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We need to stop drawing ridiculous comparisons between the last US Presidential election and Zimbabwe's past election. The two are apples and oranges. It is very evident that Bush did not intentionally go in with a plan to steal the election--and in fact, if the media had not jumped the gun and declared Gore the winner in Florida before voting was done there would have been no issue.
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How is this different from Zim's case? Well, the allegations of "cheating" on Mugabe's part deal with the entire lead-up to the election and the apparent (whether true or not) attempts by Mugabe and his supporters to rig the election. George Bush did not "steal" the election in anywhere near the manner that Mugabe is being accused. [ show full text ]
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Matthew Lo, Indianapolis, USA 15 Mar 2002
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As an African I feel very ashamed that the events in Zimbabwe are actually taking place in Africa! This is deplorable! Oppression is oppression, no matter by whom and on whom. Anybody who wants to judge the fairness of the just-ended elections in Zimbabwe should do so from the Zimbabweans point of view.
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A simple question should be asked: Is all that happened (violence, intimidation, disenfranchisement, etc) fair to the Zimbabweans? Is Zimbabwe meant for some Zimbabweans and not for some?
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Secondly, it is sickening that African leaders can shamelessly decide to join hands against their own people! Britain, EU, USA, etc are not an issue here; the issue is a tyrant/dictator using all means to retain power at the expense of his people. Zimbabwe does not deserve all this. Africans should wake up and see the reality. Calling a spade a "big spoon" does not make a spade a spoon. [ show full text ]
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Ado, Seoul, South Korea 15 Mar 2002
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Many people the world over have been hoodwinked by the genius Mugabe. We have to give it to him. He pulled off the impossible. Once popular but not anymore, he pulled the country into socialism and upon discovering that it did not work, and was resourceful enough to pull it back. But the problem is that somewhere along the line the people found out that the government did not have what it takes to run the country. Politicians filled their pockets did not give a hoot about the rest of the despairing people.
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People wanted change and Morgan offered it. Any party in a country needs cash from somewhere. So Morgan got his from the West and thus acquired the label of puppet. The Government just used the taxpayers money, oh and the money from the Colonel in Libya in exchange for the whole of Mazoe Valley. Well I guess no more oranges because everything from that Valley is now part of Libya with no Zimbabwean allowed to set foot .... land. [ show full text ]
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Douglas, Mapinge 15 Mar 2002
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It seems some of you Africans believe that the Western world should leave you alone to get on with things your own way. It can only be those who have not lost loved ones to murder, rape and torture that can express this viewpoint. If your fellow Africans had committed these atrocities on your family would you still hold the same view point? Have you not considered the fact that the Western world is not interested in colonising Africa again but merely wanting to protect the rights of the poor people in Zimbabwe. Their voice was not heard in this scam of an election. Many people are dying of hunger in Zimbabwe while their leaders feast. How can anyone be proud of a leader like that? If you want to be left alone and watch while Africa falls apart then so be it. Who do you think will be there to pick up the pieces when your leaders have destroyed a wonderful continent - the Western world? [ show full text ]
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C. Hayes, UK 15 Mar 2002
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The same people who are complaining bitterly about foreign involvement in Africa, are they the same ones who cursed the foreigners for not interfering in Rwanda? Are they the same ones who demand debt-forgiveness and more aid because these colonizers once stole from them?
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If you want the help and support, then you must be ready to accept criticism also. If you want foreign soldiers to risk their lives to save Tutsi lives, then you must have respect for them. The Canadian General who headed the UN forces in Rwanda committed suicide because he was so grieved and bitter at the murders he could not prevent, and he spoke out in anger at the African, Kofi Annan, who would not let him. Does it sound as though this foreigner did not care about African lives, African hopes? [ show full text ]
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Jane Nyadoi, Mt. Rainier MD USA 15 Mar 2002
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The Namibian observers have discredited themselves utterly with their statement that the election was "watertight without room for rigging". They are so anxious to approve Mugabe's succession that they went beyond what anyone could swallow.
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Mugabe selected the members of the electoral commission from his loyal army. The electoral commission decided who would be allowed to vote, carefully paring away those who were presumed to be opposition.
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The polling stations were monitored by Mugabe's armed forces and were harassed by the so-called veterans. Mugabe’s electoral personnel carried the ballot boxes away with no third-party observers allowed. Mugabe selected who the observers would be and then dictated that they maintain a distance from the polls. Mugabe's electoral commission reduced the polling stations in the major urban areas by half and then refused to allow people who had waited for days to vote. [ show full text ]
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Christine Howlett, Washington D.C. USA 15 Mar 2002
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It was fair and Mugabe is the President of Zimbabwe.
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Bakayoko Sundiata, UK 15 Mar 2002
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The Zimbabwe crisis, more specifically the Mugabe question, is something of a dilemma for those of us who believe uncompromisingly that Africa should reclaim itself and tolerate no paternalism from the West.
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It is a dilemma because on the one hand we stand by Robert Mugabe; for what seemed like an eternity, white settlers dehumanized Zimbabweans. They treated the country like their playground and Zimbabweans as their subhuman slaves. Robert Mugabe was one of those proud Africans who decided enough was enough. He and his comrades, with the support of the people of Zimbabwe, fought and won a hard war. No sooner had that happened, than the West, always the West's backers stepped to ensure that their protégés kept the privileges. The result was that Zimbabweans won political power, but the country was still in the hands of white settlers. The land from which the rightful owners had been removed by whips, police dogs and bullets, still remained in the settlers' hands. [ show full text ]
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Mwene Gahaya, London, Great Britain 15 Mar 2002
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Commenting on the election monitors' reports, Morgan asked: why should observers give different verdicts to the same event, unless they have their pre-determined agenda? The Commonwealth, who wanted to expel Zimbabwe just before election, had a pre-determined agenda. Why should we listen to their verdict, Morgan? Where was the Commonwealth during Zambia's presidential election?
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It is sickening to hear Bush saying he will not recognise the result. What is the difference between Bush and Mugabe, anyway? If Mugabe is an illegimate leader, what about Bush?
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Kennet Korayi, Manchester, UK 15 Mar 2002
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Well, as for most genuine Zimbabweans, the news of the election results was a real blow and has now obviously dampened all of our spirits and put everyone into depression. Zanu-PF did not deserve to win these past elections and I, for one, do not know how Mugabe can sleep at night knowing he is despised and absolutely hated by millions all over the world.
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So many Zimbabweans were deprived of a right, we had all stuck together but obviously that was not enough, I just hope that now, the more powerful nations will take action so that Mugabe and his 'pets' are put in thier rightful places.
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Jason, UK 15 Mar 2002
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The countries backing Mugabe's re-election have their own agendas in mind. Thabo Mbeki faces an election in 2-3 years time, and if Mugabe is not sanctioned for rigging an election, then Mbeki can also rig his election.
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Those that say the West should not be involved are right. But then the West should not supply aid, education or technology to those countries that do not want 'interference'. Let all the minister's children be educated with the average people at home, not in American and European schools and colleges!
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Also, bear in mind that if Mugabe is not sanctioned, then Milosevic should not be on trial. After all, as the leader of his country, he is allowed to massacre thousands in his desire to remain in power. That is the standard set by Mugabe. Many things in the past have been wrong, slavery, etc, but the past should not prevent the World from reacting now. [ show full text ]
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Carl, London, UK 15 Mar 2002
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I was interested to read Igbini Emmanuel's comments on the recent elections in Zimbabwe. I quite agree that Zimbabwe should be fully under majority rule; there are few who would disagree with that. However, I do find it interesting to see that he still sees this as an era of Mugabe "defending our God-given land and resources". My question is, "defending" what from whom? Or is this "defending" simply a smokescreen to hide the REAL problems being faced by Zimbabwe, such as internal political corruption and gross economic mismanagement, from their own black people?
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Many of the white farms have already been repossessed and there is an ongoing programme which is being conducted in a manner which at least seems fair to many Africans, even if it is of dubious ethics to others. [ show full text ]
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Richard Evans, London, United Kingdom 15 Mar 2002
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The only information I have is through the media. Based on the many sources I've read, it's obvious that the electoral process was flawed.
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I have no idea who would have won in a fair election. However, I would like to point out that a two-term limit would reduce the power struggle problem that typify most African countries. Furthermore, it seems to me that tribal loyalty supercedes democratic and human rights principles. You murder each other and blame it on white apathy. You suffer disease and famine because you destroy your countries' ability to provide for itself. Then you demand other countries to bail you out with money. It is time for you to accept the responsibility for your own actions and stopped looking for blame else where. One last thing. Land reform is not a license to steal farms from others. It is the opportunity to cultivate your own land and raise your own crops. Yes it will take time and you may need help. But your hard work will gain the respect and admiration of others. You are your own worst enemy. That is what the rest of the world is trying to help you understand. How can you expect other countries to respect you when you don't treat each other with respect. I know these are harsh words. I just hope you understand that I care about all of you. [ show full text ]
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George Williams, Denver, Colorado, USA 15 Mar 2002
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I believe the election was fair and legitimate. I think the reason why West (Britain) is crying foul is because their candidate that would look after their interest, and their interest only, lost the election. They can cry, scream, shout and do whatever they want to do but what is clear is that Mugabe won the election from the votes cast.
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President Mugabe should invest his time and effort of rebuilding and re-engaging the Zimbabwean citizens in rebuilding the countries economic machine. He should also continue and implement his land reforms in the interest of his people; after all that is why they have re-elected him. All Western and other smart countries always look after their peoples' interest and I would encourage him to do just that. Africans must realise that the only person that can solve African problems and challenges is Africans. [ show full text ]
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Ade, London 15 Mar 2002
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The OAU has completly discredited itself. This isn't about the West, Mugabe, colonialism, etc...this is about the Zimbabwean people. Don't the Zimbabwean people, who are facing food shortages, runaway inflation and a contracting economy have a right to some say-so as to how they are governed? Does anyone out there believe that the people have freely and chosen Mugabe to continue running the country? Don't be misguided and confuse the larger issues of North / South relations with the fact that a corrupt, incompetent clique have stolen the sovereign right of the people to chose who shall govern.
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The West has every right to stick its nose in Zimbabwe and in every other aid-dependent country. The first thing African leaders do when they are "elected" is send a delegation to Brussels, Paris, London and DC to beg for more aid money or "cooperation." How are Westeners to know if the people purporting to represent country x are the legitimate rulers, i.e the representatives of that country? You live in a nice house. People down the street live in a decrepit shack. A guy approaches, says he is the representative of the people living in the shack. You decide for whatever reason that you should help them. Aren't you going to insist on some oversight? Aren't you going to verify that the people living in the shack have designated this person as their rep? Of course! But you might call this "interfering." We will never be respected as a race until we stop begging and bring our living standards to a respectable level. No one respects black people, no one. That's the ugly truth. [ show full text ]
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Brotherman, Diaspora, 15 Mar 2002
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Leaving aside the ideological differences between ZANU-PF and the MDC, the fact remains that this is another example of an African liberation-era incumbent shamelessly manipulating the 'democratic process' in order to extend his decades in power.
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The underlying idea seems clearly to be that the leader assumes he is an embodiment of the people's will, and that they don't 'need' the opportunity to choose, since he is the best and only choice.
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The elections were held as an empty gesture to parade before international scrutiny, and the most surprising thing about it is that anyone went along pretending democracy could result. The most interesting question is whether president Mugabe genuinely believes he is good for the people of Zimbabawe, or whether - more likely - his sole goal is power for power's sake. [ show full text ]
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Linda Lonnqvist, London, UK 15 Mar 2002
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A disgraceful piece of gerrymandering by Mugabe. It is to be hoped that the Commonwealth will dissociate itself from this and apply sanctions against Mugabe.
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Oliver Knowles, Oxford, UK 15 Mar 2002
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I am one Zimbabwean who woke up on Sat 09/03/2002 and went to the polling station to vote. I left home around 0800hrs and managed to vote on the same day at around 1530hrs.
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It really pains me when those of you (especially the South African vice president, Zuma) who live in other countries e.g. South Africa, comment about these elections. You live in your country without any fear of being attacked for no apparent reason.
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My husband right now cannot leave the house to go to work because someone else ensure that his name was listed as an MDC sympathiser with the Government-trained youths who are camped a hundred meters from a block of flats were we live. These youths, popularly known as MaTalibans, promised my husband yesterday that as soon as the foreign observers leave this country they will be given a go-ahead by the ruling party to deal with those perceived to support the opposition and my husband has been promised a thorough beating, if not death. [ show full text ]
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Sleepless Nights, KweKwe, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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It would appear that the African brothers who have decided to unite in solidarity with Mugabe have chosen the wrong time for such a noble theme. The man knows no shame or sympathy for his own people. Zimbabweans have suffered untold miseries at his hands and on judgement day I pray that you will all stand in solidarity together, and burn in hell!!
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Angry Zimbabwean, zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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I think people have to be able to distinguish between racial inclinations/rhetoric and fact, before they can draw conclusions on the fairness and legitimacy of the Zimbabwe election.
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Opposition observers were beaten and chased away from the numerous polling stations multiplied in the rural areas, whilst voters were tear-gassed away from the few polling stations in Harare. Government media paraded the ruling party.
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If you compare this election to the US, a few points come in the limelight. The citizens of the US did not complain of biased state media coverage of opposition, nor I guess was there any fear among any one of them of being murdered after revealing membership of one's political party. There most probably were no opposition no-go areas. [ show full text ]
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Edmore, From opposition no-go area, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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Margaret Mensah from Namibia is today's hero on Zanu-PF-sponsored ZBC as she's decided to distance herself from the findings of the rest of the Commonwealth Observer Mission. I watched the news with a sickening feeling as she managed to keep a straight face whilst supporting her strange views.
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They are strange to me because my own family has been subject to intimidation and harrasment in an attempt to keep them away from the polls. How any one can endorse the results is still beyond me.
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MDC supporters in some parts of the country wouldn't even dream about wearing the colour red lest they are harassed. Where's the freedom or fairness in that? Yes violence was perpertrated by supporters from both sides, but that doesn't make it right. Two wrongs don't make a right. [ show full text ]
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Joy, Harare, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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The West is waging economic genocide against the people of Zimbabwe and the misfortune is that we won't have a tribunal for this crime.
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If any rigging did take place, it was Europe that did it first. But then, these guys think they are very smart. The idea was to evade addressing the real issues of colonial mischief in Zimbabwe by withdrawing bread from people's tables and propping a sub-servient party.
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Yes, Mugabe's administration is ill, we all know that; but the alternative to it is not a stooge. The MDC cannot now claim to have solutions for the problems it created in the first place. These guys held devastating strikes as a labour union and they cannot now claim to have solutions to their own mess. [ show full text ]
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Hawk, Harare, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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Jacob Zuma visiting Mugabe so soon after elections and before Mbeki has given his opinion is an absolute disgrace and an afront to all South Africans.
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I'm embarassed to call myself a South African. We are going to become the laughing stock of the world. No one will take Mbeki seriously ever again, but then Mbeki has no backbone and he will lead us into desolation in the same way that Mugabe has destroyed Zimbabwe.
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There is a commission to find out what caused the Rand to collapse last year. Mr Mbeki - try listening to what you say in relation to what you do. Maybe then you will know at whose door you should lay the blame.
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Joe Tshabalala, Johannesburg 15 Mar 2002
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The problem with Tsvangirai is that the alternative he is putting forward is that of the World Bank structural adjustment which impoverished Africans in the '90s.
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The West's involvement in Zim contrasts with their lack of interest in Zambia's elections or Congo-Brazzaville. In these countries there are no white farmers whose wealth is being disenfranchised. How one can explain the double standard the Western countries are using in Africa?
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In my view, Morgan Tsangarai has to depart from his Western supporters to seek legitimacy within Zimbabwe because the impression one has is that Westerners are supporting the opposition, not for the sake of Zimbabweans but because whites are being threatened in Zim. How otherwise can one explain the double standard issue? [ show full text ]
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Patrick N'lembo, Louvain, Belgium 15 Mar 2002
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The Zimbabwe election is over but comments are still pouring in from all corners of the world. Few are coming up with solutions after having inflicted the whole election process and outcome to a barrage of criticism. While the Western World is thinking of re-running of elections in Zimbabwe, other liberal Africans both in Africa and America, think of the way forward in completing the land disribution program.
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What I think was the major problem of the MDC in its campaign is that, while it opted for the 'legitimate' distribution of land by a nuetral commission, it was not clear how their Government will secure sufficient funds to buy and sponsor the whole programme. While Zanu Pf was busy campaigning to people, promising them land, MDC was promising people imposition of sanctions from America, Britain, and South Africa. Why on earth should a normal person want to captalise on the suffering of his people so as to gain popularity and then put the wheels of his wheels of 'change' in motion. [ show full text ]
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T. Gatawa, Alice, South Africa 15 Mar 2002
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Elections can't be free if Britain, EU and the USA interfere in the elections and blackmail Zimbabwe - "If you vote for that person you will suffer economic war from the US - but if you vote for his opponent we will get rid of sanctions." MDC is just a puppet of Western imperialism. I hope Mugabe will go ahead with land reform.
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E. Andersson, Sweden 15 Mar 2002
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I was in Zimbabwe when the campaigning and registration was done, also voting. The parties were having different attitudes from the military.The Zanu-PF WAS supported greatly by the military whilst the MDC was given less protection when having rallies. The elections were not fair.
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Malv, Denmark 15 Mar 2002
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Zimbabwe's presidential election has come and gone.I find it rather silly that people from as far as British Columbia, Canada, can claim to have first-hand knowledge about what is happening in Zimbabwe. I am one of those who voted in Harare in the recent presidential elections, and in fact have done so in all the four presidential elections held in Zimbabwe since 1980. The truth of the matter is that we Zimbabweans have chosen the leader of our choice. Anyone who witnessed these elections, who has the slightest shred of a heart can bear testimony to the fact that the results were a true reflection of the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe.
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That the Zanu-PF candidate won the presidency and that the situation is calm, is something which is not going down well in certain quarters of the Western world. Zimbabwe is supposed to be experiencing a bloodbath this very hour because the vote was "stolen" from MDC. The vote is viewed as a "fraud". The MDC should have won, come what may! [ show full text ]
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Kennedy Makavanga, Harare, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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Was the election in Zimbabwe fair? What is the standard to be reached before an election is declared fair? Was the last presidential election in America fair or not? Did African and other developing nations have any say regarding the fairness of those elections? What are the odds on a poor person becoming president in the USA or the UK? Is that fair or not?
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I am not well-placed to discuss the fairness of an election when reports are presented in a partisan way by the media. As it was the case during the last Commonwealth meeting in Australia, this election issue in Zimbabwe is clearly becoming an issue between white and black, between the "have" and the "have not". I can only ask what is making ex-colonial powers so nervous about what is going on in Zimbabwe? What are they afraid of? Are people scared of the implications that this could have around the world where people, I hope, will start claiming back their land, natural resources and so forth. Imagine what could happen in South-Africa, in Australia if impoverished communities were voicing similar complains. [ show full text ]
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Robert Magloire, Sydney, Australia 15 Mar 2002
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I am one of the people who voted in Zimbabwe. I am suprised at the conclusion given by South Africa's vice-president [Jacob Zuma] that the elections were free and fair. I went to the polling station in my ward at around 8:00 in the morning, but I manage to vote around 6:00 in the evening. Is this how people in South Africa vote? The presidential voters' role is the same as the mayoral voters role. So why were our names checked twice, taking more time? It was not that there were many people in front of me but that they were using delaying tactics. Mr Vice-President, I think the people of South Africa will have a hard time if you take over from Mbeki. Remember God has his own way of judging and He will give his judgment. Please read 1 Corithians chapter 1, verses 18 to 26 and you will get your answer. [ show full text ]
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John Gandari, Harare, Zimbabwe 15 Mar 2002
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The elections are now over and the OAU and SADC have voiced their support. I am okay with that. I find it very insulting, as an African, that foreign governments who once colonised and enslaved us, the consequences of which we are still struggling with in Africa, have the audacity to question what we do in our own house.
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Did Africa send observers to the last botched elections here in the United States? Many of us supported Al Gore but the election was fixed and prefabricated even before election day. If Africa had sent "observers" to that election to support the democratic candidate, would the United States have agreed to that?
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I say let Blair go to hell! We in Africa will regain all our lands that were stolen from us by the Europeans. Why don't those white Zims come here to America where their white skins will confer on them the kinds of advantages that they are seeking in Africa? Black Africans in Zim have been dying for years and no sanctions were imposed on Mugabe. But now that the whites are feeling the heat also, sanctions are all over the place! Are black lives worth less than white lives? Maybe here in America but never in Africa. [ show full text ]
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Aminu Wouba, Atlanta, Ga. 14 Mar 2002
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The most disturbing thing about the presidential election in Zimbabwe is not the kidnappings, murders, torture, disenfranchisement of millions or the massive vote-rigging. It is that South Africa appears to be complicitous in all of these.
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As a professional journalist with first hand knowledge of Zimbabwe and South Africa, I am hardly naive enough to believe that opinions offered by such entities as South Africa's observer mission concern themselves overly with furnishing honest, unbiased reports. I am, however, rather surprised at President Mbeki's apparent inability to realize the message which his silence, or refusal to condemn the election sham, sends to the rest of the world.
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South Africa will never be taken seriously by the business and investment communities of the world as long as its government appears to be indecisive or, even worse in some views, unwilling to exercise its economic and political muscles to help regularize southern African governance. [ show full text ]
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Mike Steele, British Columbia, Canada 14 Mar 2002
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I want to thank Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) and Mbeki(South Africa) for leading other African leaders to stand up to support an African great leader like President Mugabe in defending our God-given land and resources. What is the value of a Western democracy that specialises only in exploiting the weak and sponsoring conflict and genocides. What is the value of a democracy where Geroge Bush openly stole the presidency in the most fraudulent election in history, yet heaven did not fall, Americans did not go to war. It is a shame to see Morgan Tsvangirai being sponsored to kill his fellow patriots all for a presidency that is meant to allow for continued exploitation and slavery. Agreed we are against sit-tight leaders; Mugabe is over due to leave, but we must ensure that the one coming next to occupy the seat knows the common dream and destiny of Africans. [ show full text ]
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Igbini Emmanuel, Portharcourt, Nigeria 14 Mar 2002
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Africans will always bow their heads down in shame because of what comes out of the mouth of their leaders. How should these leaders hurriedly come out to support Mugabe when they know all these adverse findings about the election?
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Most of these presidents are glued to their high office through rigging. Ninety percent of these presidents might have even taught Mugabe how to rig.
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The question is, when will Africa grow? Hanging on to power and supervising economic chaos is not what we need. We Africans, ourselves, must be blamed for that; or is it that these leaders exploit the ignorance of their masses?
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If after 22 years the economic situation in this country is going from bad to worse, then Zimbabweans are conscious of their predicament now and what they about to face in the next six years. Leaders think of their fellow leaders, not the masses, as they always profess. African leaders, what are you doing with all this wealth you have acquired at the expense of the poor? [ show full text ]
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Andrews Nyantakyi
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