Where is he, what does he want and what will he do next were the questions posed on the front page of the UK Independent on Thursday. Meanwhile the Guardian in the UK, the New York Times and other European papers continue to publish the leaks; they may be profoundly embarrassing for diplomats and their embassies but do not as far as one can judge constitute any real threats to individuals or states. In the case of Zimbabwe, for example, Wikileaks revealed the opinion of a former US ambassador, Christopher Dell, about Robert Mugabe and his regime none of which came as any great surprise to Zimbabweans. Another leak told of South Africas partiality for the Zimbabwean dictator, no surprise there either for Zimbabweans who are well-used to South Africa and SADCs support for Robert Mugabe. Analysts who have attempted to understand the reasons for South Africas continuing support have concluded that their only motive is Mugabes status as a
Liberation hero. No matter how despotic his regime now, no matter how much he wages war on his own people, his past history as a liberator excuses all present crimes – or that seems to be the thinking within the region.
Assanges motive in releasing this flood of leaked diplomatic cables is not so clear but on the face of it, it is in line with democratic principles. His mission statement reads, Transparency creates a better society for all people. Better scrutiny leads to reduced corruption and stronger democracies in all societys institutions. Assanges critics have commented angrily that his revelations are simply designed to humiliate the US and Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF have been quick to launch another of their vitriolic attacks on the west. Speaking in Libya at the Africa/EU Summit Robert Mugabe seized the opportunity to repeat his claim that Blair and Bush should also have been indicted for war crimes for the war against Iraq which killed thousands of innocent Iraquis. It was classic Mugabe-speak; distracting the worlds attention from the suffering that Zanu PFs policies have caused and are still causing for innocent Zimbabwean citizens.
Mugabes own motives in calling for early elections are also open to question. Is he just grandstanding to intimidate the opposition, is it just his ego at work or has he finally accepted that time is not on his side? Whatever his motives, Mugabes call for early elections has inspired his fanatical followers to echo almost word for word his constantly repeated references back to past glories. The Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri told young police cadets this week that, This country came through the barrel of a gun and it will never be re-colonised through a simple pen which costs as little as five cents. No doubt there as to Chihuris motive: vote Zanu PF or you will be dealt with. Another Mugabe supporter was even more specific. Election is a declaration of war, blood must spill like in any war situation even if it means killing those who are against Zanu PF.
As the annual conference of Zanu PF draws closer, soldiers and police openly demonstrate their support for the former ruling party in mindless attacks on teachers and journalists . The theme for the conference we are told will be Total control of our resources through indigenisation and empowerment. which means of course more jobs for the boys, more businesses and farms for Mugabe to reward his supporters; this, despite the fact that Mugabe and his allies now own more than 40% of the land seized from whites with Mugabe and wife owning 14 farms between them. A CZI survey this week shows a mere 4% of Zimbabwes industry is actually viable. Business people tell Mugabes deputy, in no uncertain terms that they do not want elections now. No one in the party heeds their warnings; unlike the Wikileaks man, Robert Mugabes motivation is very clear. It is to stay in power at all costs.
Yours in the (continuing) struggle, PH. aka Pauline Henson
Post published in: Uncategorized