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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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