Obama heartbroken by events in Zimbabwe

Speaking to a group of young Africans taking part in a three-day forum to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of African states, Obama said he was heartbroken to see what has happened in Zimbabwe. He said; “I think Mugabe is an example of a leader who came in as a liberation fighter and, I’m just going to be very blunt, I do not see him serving his people well,”

Mugabe always dismisses criticism from world leaders, calling them colonialists who do not want Africans to rule themselves. In that regard Obamas words carry more weight, as his father was from Kenya and he holds the distinction of being Americas first black president. The United States is also Zimbabwes biggest donor.

Obama was addressing 115 young Africans, who had been invited for their leadership qualities, and he warned them not to make the same mistakes in the next 50 years that were made by what he called the “independence generation” of his father.

Obama also called for greater press freedom and dismissed Mugabes demands that targeted sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union be lifted.

He said: “In order to do that we’ve got to see some signal it will not simply entrench the same past abuses, but will rather move us in a new direction that will help the people.”

Professor Ken Mufuka of the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum in America, said President Obama was right on target in his criticism of Mugabe and said ZANU-PF has not forgotten its old ways. He explained that sanctions were targeted mostly at politicians who have assets in the United States and want to send their children there, but they do not affect ordinary Zimbabweans.

Asked why African leaders do not speak out against Mugabe, Mufuka said: Usually the African leaders themselves have the same problems, so that is why they cannot speak directly to Mugabe about Zimbabwe.

The Professor told SW Radio Africa that US Congressman Donald Payne has introduced a law, called the Zimbabwe Act, which Congress will soon vote on. He said the law seeks to keep the targeted sanctions in place until the situation in Zimbabwe improves, and to also create a trust fund for education and health.

He said it would also increase funding for youth activities, because Congressman Payne visited Zimbabwe and felt that the youth were joining ZANU-PF because they had nothing else to do.

Professor Mufuka added: African Americans feel that when they go to Africa, they are going home. They have a special desire to see that Africa does well.