The main target is, of course, the opposition supporters, with some key
activists slain by pro-government mobs in recent days.
The unrest continues a particularly bad period for a country that has been
engulfed in a bitter political feud.
Human Rights Watch is warning of a terribly delicate situation and urging
the African Union to intervene before this degenerates into a full-scare
war.
We in Tanzania, are watching the developments with keen interest, having
contributed immensely to the independence struggle in Zimbabwe, which
brought President Mugabe to power in 1980.
Our two countries have had a long history of brotherhood and the pathetic
situation in Zimbabwe today touches the hearts of Tanzanians.
The HRW report launched last Monday tells of police brutality against the
opposition in an evil scheme called ‘Operation Where Did You Put You Vote?’
targeting those opposed to freedom fighter turned dictator Mugabe.
We urge the AU chairman, President Jakaya Kikwete, to extend his famed
diplomatic skills to avert the low-scale civil war in Zimbabwe.
But more important, he should mobilise efforts to ensure that the election
is somewhat free.
There is deep animosity between the two groups, but Zimbabwe is greater than
all of them.
It’s important to impress upon President Mugabe to accept defeat should he
lose.
The same should apply to Mr Tsvangirai, if he fairly loses, though the
playing ground is already tilted against him.
Post published in: Opinions