Africa turns on Mugabe

BBC News ^ | Monday, 21 January 2002 | None given

[Cuttnhorse]

In a blow to President Robert Mugabe's attempts to portray
himself as fighting colonialism, two major African
countries have criticised his policies.

Both South Africa and Ghana have expressed their concern
at the situation in Zimbabwe, where Mr Mugabe faces
difficult elections in March.

[Cuttnhorse]

This is so long overdue...the trouble is Mebki is just as guilty for allowing black on white crime to go unpunished in South Africa. There have been more white farmers murdered in South Africa than Zimbabwe by many HUNDRED.

[cascademountaineer]

Agreed, this is about time. And honestly to some degree its a little overdue. At least some are finally speaking out.

[FreePaul]

Both South Africa and Ghana have expressed their concern

WOW! That'l show him. He won't mess with them again or they may "express serious concern". Isn't that what comes next?

[norton]

What has become of that British airlift that was reported ready to get the farmers out of Zimbabwe?

Is there a chance that these "expressions of concern" are either
(a) Fear that Africa will lose it's white managerial and financial links, or
(b)Fear that once the Brits and Afrikaners are gone there is nothing to keep the west involved in what africans call "peaceful" relationships?

Assuming that anyone really does plan to get the white farmers etc. out of the region;
think maybe they're worried that such an airlift might be followed by some facet of a war on terrorism?

[Maceman]

the trouble is Mebki is just as guilty for allowing black on white crime to go unpunished in South Africa. There have been more white farmers murdered in South Africa than Zimbabwe by many HUNDRED.

Boy. Talk about the pot calling the kettle . . (well, you know).

[PaulKersey]

]And honestly to some degree its a little overdue.

"some degree", "little overdue" ??? Where have you been??? Southern Africa Before All This..."

[Long Cut]

Of course, they waited untill his policies were irreversible and most of the damage was done. They probably think he only went too fast, especially S.A.
Sub-Saharan Africa may well be lost to the greater community of nations. It appears impossible for a stable, decent government or system to take hold there. Perhaps it is best to just leave them to their own devices, after getting the foreign nationals out.

[r9etb]

Both South Africa and Ghana have expressed their concern

Can't speak for Ghana, but I think South Africa is justifiably frightened at the prospect of going the way of Rhodesia -- a basket case and crumbling fast.

Not that it'll make any difference.

[Grut]

...where Mr Mugabe faces difficult elections in March.

Not as difficult as his opposition does, I suspect.

[Cuttnhorse]

Great comments, especially about the worry that S.A. may also go the same way.
It's pathetic that Zimbabwe was supposed to be the model for post-colonial black rule in Africa.
A great book on Africa is David Lamb's, The Africans. It is a little dated but NOTHING has changed.

Regards from Chile