[Cincinatus' Wife]

Why the ANC is unmoved by killings, torture ***Since the eruption of the Zimbabwean crisis following Mugabe's defeat in the constitutional referendum of February 2000, there have been repeated summit meetings of the region's ruling national liberation movements (NLMs). Such summits were not thought necessary until Mugabe's defeat opened up the prospect that a ruling NLM might actually lose power. This nightmare could only be explained by a fresh assault from imperialist forces, in which case they were all threatened. Immediately, Mugabe's struggle to stay in power became a struggle for their own survival too. Supporting Zanu PF was no longer just a matter of solidarity but of fundamental self-interest. …….. The real truth about the NLM governments is that they allow a corrupt elite to cling to power indefinitely. The Zanu PF elite is now benefiting from "blood diamonds" in a way which even King Leopold's ghost would admire. ***Mugabe and family loot blood gems

Zimbabwe should not be an exception***In the face of a stubborn and credible opposition Mugabe cannot successfully employ the same tactics he has used in the past to destroy opposition parties. This one is synonymous with the people of Zimbabwe and is therefore indestructible. Fifteen years ago, when Mugabe was still considered a hero, he could have counted on many countries to voluntarily rally to his cause. Now he is reduced to blackmailing some African states into endorsing his neurotic leadership.

They do this to cover up their own shame and embarrassment because when your fellow black brother or sister behaves as abominably as Mugabe has done, the immediate reaction is to cover up in the face of fierce external condemnation. There is this strange perception in Africa that as soon as non-black people condemn a black leader's behaviour, there should be a show of solidarity by other blacks. How about universal principles that bind together our collective humanity regardless of colour? When a black leader bankrupts his country by pursuing foolish policies he/she must be condemned.***

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Zimbabwe - Libyans arm twist state over land ***During Gaddafi's visit to Zimbabwe last year, the Libyan leader toured some of the farms which Mugabe had proposed to surrender to his country. Following the tour, some 8,000 hectares of industrial and farming land were allocated to Libya, whose business entrepreneurs indicated that they would produce fruit and crops on the land for the purpose of export to the north Africa country.

They also expressed interest in venturing into business with local farming and manufacturing companies. Most of the Libyan companies which supply fuel to the country had threatened to discontinue the supplies following the failure the country to pay the debt because of foreign currency, shortages.

According to their agreement, if Zimbabwe does not pay in assets it must do so in foreign currency but this is not available. Efforts by Mugabe to settle the outstanding debt in exchange for beef were rejected by the Libyans who insisted on receiving land instead. ……….. As part of the barter deal between the two countries, the Libyans have also acquired the government's 70% stake in the Oil Blending Company of Zimbabwe. Initially, a French company, Oil Invest, which has a 30% stake in the blending company, was poised to take over the government's shares, but the deal was scuttled at the last minute when Libya expressed interest in the company.***