Update June 23: After more than 60 supporters were arrested Monday at MDC headquarters, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has taken refuge in the Dutch embassy in Harare.
As a journalist, I never covered Zimbabwe, other than a few stories from the United Nations. So there's nothing I can say here that election observers, members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and reporters on the scene can't say better. But as a human rights activist, I am outraged at what has happened in Zimbabwe. Results of the presidential election March 29 showed Morgan Tsvangirai the rightful winner, by a six percent margin - results even Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF government didn't dispute, after weeks of refusing to release the voting results. But as Tsvangirai failed to secure an overall majority, a run-off was deemed necessary.
Subsequently Mugabe's machinations set the stage for the run-off contest to fail. MDC activists were killed; others were arrested, kidnapped, raped or forced to flee amidst a widespread campaign of fear and intimidation by armed gangs, who set up so-called torture camps ringing the capital Harare. So it is a very sad day indeed when Morgan Tsvangirai pulls out of the runoff election, leaving Mugabe in power by default. The people of Zimbabwe - as well as the rule of law - have suffered a grave loss.
Well now Paddy Ashdown has said we should go in before there is another genocide. Let's see if that happens :(
Posted by: Di Overton | 24 June 2008 at 21:04
It all sounds perfectly tragic and a complete violation of the Zimbabwean peoples human rights.
They've bullied their way into power. That sucks.
xo
Posted by: Gillian | 23 June 2008 at 04:28
I read about this in the NY Times today. Very distressing.
Posted by: patry francis | 23 June 2008 at 02:45
politics in africa have always baffled me. even the "stable" or or prosperous countries (like botswana) ignore huge issues like aids, rampant alcoholism, poachers... how can they accept this? are the people so used to being wronged by anyone in power, that they won't fight back?
Posted by: Lynne Rutter | 22 June 2008 at 23:48
It's sickening!
What can any of us do? Being aware is a start, I guess.
Posted by: Judy in KY | 22 June 2008 at 23:40
I can't believe I got 7 posts behind! Yikes!
So much turmoil in this world and it seems to be escolating. What have you read on Isreal and Iran?
I don't see how the airlines can survive the gas hikes which are continuing to rise. $4.59/gal here.
Enjoyed the poem you shared Tara!
HUGS
XX
Posted by: Tammy | 22 June 2008 at 19:57