7 July 2008
A number of African leaders who had talks with the leaders of the G8 group of industrialized nations on Monday disagreed with the West's drive at the United Nations for sanctions against Zimbabwe.
Their differences emerged in a briefing to journalists after the talks.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was quoted by his Foreign Office as telling journalists there was "growing support for sanctions against the Mugabe regime being stepped up..." The United States is expecting a vote on a sanctions resolution in the UN Security Council this week.
But the African Union chairman, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, said in an appearance with President George W. Bush of the United States that although "many leaders" in Africa had "expressed their dissatisfaction at the way things happened" in Zimbabwe, they differed with G8 leaders "on the way forward."
He added: "I don't think there is much, the divergence there. You (President Bush) would have liked to see us do a bit -- some things, we would have liked to see you do some things. But we'll continue to discuss all these issues, and as friends at the end of the day we'll come to an understanding."
According to a transcript posted by the White House later, Bush aide Dan Price confirmed in a subsequent briefing to journalists that "there were differences... Not all African leaders are in a position to support sanctions at this time."
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying she would support more sanctions against Mugabe.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in a radio interview from Johannesburg on Monday that financial and travel sanctions were "the test" this week. Referring to the reported opposition to sanctions of South Africa - a member of the Security Council - Miliband added: "I very much hope that South Africa will join the international consensus."
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I recently wrote that this was an issue that Africans needed to solve. As much as I respect the leader from Botswana and some other leaders, I see we are dealing with silly politics that has no solution. Diplomacy is never going to deal with dictators, their military leaders, the heads of the police or the cronies of Mugabe. There will never be power sharing that amounts to anything. The people of Zimbabwe will continue to suffer and the leaders of Africa will wring their hands or turn a blind eye. Bring on the sanctiions. The people are desperate and… [Read Full Text]
Laure...I hope you can also accept and agree to disagree with African leaders. Africa heads of state have chosen to disagree with the western powers. And it is fine to disagree with them, however, it is not right to to be abusive just because somebody disagree with you. The Western World is not "God" and as we saw in Iraq, the west (UK and USA) can be as wrong as anybody in the World. Especially under that low "IQ" Bush.
Africa heads of state represents it's population (One Billion people) must be respected for their decisions. Imperial British Colonial dictatorship… [Read Full Text]
African heads of state also agreed that the election was not free or fair and that a GNU must be formed, but do you think Mugabe will let the MDC anywhere near power?
The African Union is based on 54 independent countries and not a “United States of Africa” as such negotiations and discussions are always necessary. African leaders have not failed Zimbabwe, nor have their positions been weakened. Forcing your way by military force in Zimbabwe may actually delay the demise of Robert Mugabe. The invasion of the USA/UK into Iraq has delayed democracy in that country for another 100 years. There is a lot of cheap talk about using force in Zimbabwe, without the critical analysis of the consequences. The history of Africa shows that countries that have gone thru the… [Read Full Text]
It is so sad you are still riding on that wagon of blindness trumpeting such comfused recitation. Were you around when Zimbabweans were feeding themselves pre and early Mugabe leadership. Zimbabweans are starving as a result of your father Mugabe and you should be ashamed of this. African leaders have morgaged their integrity by being mute about this. How can these leaders sit with Mugabe and discuss poverty eradication when Mugabe has made millions of Africans hungry and refugees. Most leaders in Africa and you don't worth the salt you eat. Sanctions against Mugabe and his bunch of Animals should… [Read Full Text]
Tommyhamwa, you are actually the ultimate anglo idiot! who thinks that people should only follow your way of thinking. You think your words are finally. But that's the "bastard" we see in white anglos, whose thoughts on Africa and Zimbabwe are way out of line with current thinking.
Your urgency about Zimbabwe is hyperbolic and your ratting just do not reflect reality at all!! People must discuss issues. African leaders do disagree and that is absolutely fine! Africans do not live to validate anglo views. We have our own views. If somebody disagrees with you, you view him as pro-mugabe… [Read Full Text]
What kind of a lamemass, evil, disrespectful of Africans comment is this nuts writing. It's a shame that in this age and time, idiots like him rule Africa. The issue of Zimbabwe today is not about Africa standing up against the West forced imposition of its ways on the Africa. It's the issue evil, African killers Mugabe who should have been sentenced to death several years ago manipulating the so called leaders of Africa, who themselves much innocent blood on their hands, who will do anything to hold on to their ill-gotten power no matter how many precious African… [Read Full Text]
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