The excellent infrastructure inherited by Robert Mugabe when he took over Zimbabwe in 1980 would have been adequate to overcome the current shortages. But at this point the policies he is pursuing can only be described as paranoid, while holding on to power seems to be his sole concern. His regime has now issued an ultimatum ordering all white farmers to vacate their property. The goal is not the implementation of equitable land reform, but the wanton destruction of property belonging to whites.
Africa's richest country has been destroyed by the irrational behavior of the president and the inadequate international response. This judgment applies, however, not only to the wealthy north, but also to Zimbabwe's neighbors in Africa itself. Not five weeks have passed since the founding of the African Union, which announced to great fanfare the goal of finally leading the continent to better times. Yet none of the AU members have acted to put a stop to Mugabe's disastrous policies. And thus has the sin of an individual redounded to the shame of many and the detriment of all. ***
"At home, the land redistribution programme which is empowering the hitherto marginalized black majority is being finalized," Mugabe said. "The program giving real ownership of land to indigenous Zimbabweans has also benefited officers of the defense forces and will continue to benefit more," he said.
The softer tone contrasted with his fiery speech Monday, when Mugabe said he would stick to an August deadline for giving white lands to blacks. "We shall keep a watchful eye on what is happening on the farms," he said, warning whites not to seek "another war."***