Robert Mugabe and his supporters have waged not only a campaign for the presidency; but a campaign of violence and intimidation that includes burning homes, threatening residents, beating opponents and their children and as already mentioned, killing people.
The United States UN Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad submitted a resolution today that would impose targeted sanctions against Mugabe's government. The sanctions are intended to incentivize Mugabe to cooperate and resolve the crisis of legitimacy. We want him to assist in creating a government that genuinely represents the legitimate representatives of the people of Zimbabwe. The resolution also deals with the humanitarian situation by calling on the removal of all obstacles for the provision of aid. It is expected that there will be a vote on the resolution sometimes next week. However, Reuters says that South Africa, Russia and China oppose the idea of sanctions, though it is not clear if Moscow and Beijing are prepared to use their veto powers. Some in the African Union have argued that sanctions will only serve to make Mugabe dig in further and become even more entrenched. They point to Libya and Kenya as examples of where sanctions did not lead to a speedy resolution of the problem. They argue that by reaching out to Mugabe and creating a government of national unity, you will be able to affect change.
I strongly disagree with those in the AU who would buy time for Mugabe. This is the time for sanctions. While tough sanctions may adversely affect Zimbabweans, they are already suffering under Mugabe. I agree with TransAfrica and their assessment that: Given the current level of violence and instability, three months after Zimbabwe’s March 29 "Harmonized Elections," there seems only one approach that can lead to a peaceful and just solution in Zimbabwe: a Temporary Transitional Government. During which, government and stakeholders would draft a new constitution, work towards the democratization of internal structures of government, and the creation of an environment for free and fair elections by 2010. Other outcomes of this transitional arrangement should be the stabilization of the Zimbabwe dollar, inflation reduction, restoration of industrial and agricultural productivity as well as the democratization and professionalization of state institutions, most importantly, the security forces, the judiciary and the electoral commission.
This situation has gone on too long and the entire world, particularly the AU should speak clearly and with one voice that Mugabe must go and new government be instituted so the people of Zimbabwe can have a fresh start.
I know this is not an issue that is on the radar screen for many Americans, but it is important for us to become informed and speak out. Let President Bush and/or Secretary Rice know you support them in seeking sanctions, but also that a Temporary Transitional Government is needed.To help you become more informed about this issue watch Tavis' Smiley's interview with Nicole Lee, executive director of TransAfrica Forum—the nation's oldest African American advocacy organization for justice in Africa and the Diaspora.
Tavis Smiley Video
Click Here for background on Ms. Lee, the text of the interview and the video.
Charley Rose provides some interesting insights:
