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This morning's newspaper headlines are about the comment on Zimbabwe made by Jendayi Frazer, U.S. assistant secretary for African Affairs. Her statements reflect the reality of the situation in Zimbabwe that is evident to most people, including African leaders -- namely, that the current post-election crisis is happening because Mugabe lost the elections and his current presidency and government is constitutionally illegal. The silence from African leaders reminds me of the story of the emperor who was naked but none of his peers or officials had the courage to point this out to him -- except the little boy who pointed out the obvious. Only two African leaders have been vocal about their opposition to the crisis in Zimbabwe - these leaders are from Zambia and Botswana. However, I must add that, to their credit, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa refused to allow a ship carrying weapons destined for Zimbabwe to dock in their ports. In the case of South Africa, it was the actions of dockworkers and drivers who refused to unload the cargo from the ship, and the court action co-sponsored by the Anglican church that prevented the arms from being transported to Zimbabwe. This is an amazing example of the power of citizens who follow their conscience and refuse to participate in actions that will harm fellow human beings -- even in defiance of their government. These actions inspire hope and courage.

It is expected that the statements by Frazer will be resisted by some African leaders in an effort to keep the Zimbabwean issue an "African issue." Unfortunately, their silence and inaction mutes their voices. The lives of Zimbabweans are not expendible and must not be sacrificed in the name of political expediency.

Nontando Hadebe, a former Sojourners intern, is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.

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The lives of Zimbabweans are not expendible and must not be sacrificed in the name of political expediency.

That is true. But from what I remember the killings in Ruwanda involved very few guns and they were able to kill thousands. The UN will do nothing and I don't believe anyone else will either. I praise the courage of the people who are resisting - but how many will be murdered while the world stands by and Mugabe gets more money from organizations around the world. Now - it will be interesting to see what happens when and if Zimbabwe gets a gov't that will do what is right for the people and how are they going to handle the debt that Mugabe has amassed during his time in office. I have been told that Libya more or less own most of Zimbabwe and I don't think their leader(s) are going to be too forgiving over the debt that is owed.

Blessings -
.

Posted by: Moderatelad | April 25, 2008 10:37 AM

Nontando, thanks for your very thoughtful post. We join you in your concern for Zimbabwe. However, I must admit that every time I see a news story about Mugabe, I am reminded that 25 years ago he was the darling of left-leaning churches who saw him as a very promising leader of the New Africa. Guess its really a cautionary tale: the "new boss" from the Left can be just as bad as the "old boss" from the Right.

Posted by: Bill | April 25, 2008 2:27 PM

However, I must admit that every time I see a news story about Mugabe, I am reminded that 25 years ago he was the darling of left-leaning churches who saw him as a very promising leader of the New Africa.

He may very well have been such then -- but, once people come to power, sometimes things change.

Posted by: Rick Nowlin | April 25, 2008 3:15 PM

I could argue that our own President (Cheney/) Bush is in the same case…

'[(Cheney/) Bush] lost [stole] the elections and his current presidency and government is constitutionally illegal.'

Posted by: Ted Voth Jr | April 25, 2008 3:42 PM

Thanks Ted - I was wondering how long it was going to take before someone brought up the '[stole]' the election, on an article about Zimbaubwe. Thanks for not disappointing me.

Now - lets have an article about China and Tibet so that we can talk about the US and Hawaii.

Whatever -
.

Posted by: Moderatelad | April 25, 2008 4:09 PM

"Thanks Ted - I was wondering how long it was going to take before someone brought up the '[stole]' the election, on an article about Zimbaubwe. Thanks for not disappointing me.

Now - lets have an article about China and Tibet so that we can talk about the US and Hawaii."
--Moddieladdie

Yes, we wouldn't want to hold the United States to the same standards of moral behavior that we hold other nations to. That would just make things ever so complicated. I'd rather sit at my computer and bellyache about how unfair Sojo is.

Posted by: lloyd crump | April 25, 2008 4:29 PM

No more - the SOjo answer is always Bush's Fault and the world would be a better plan if conservatives would all die.

Bye

Posted by: Moderatelad | April 25, 2008 4:36 PM

Modeatelad--
I'm very conservative compared to many on this blog -- so I hear you and don't want you to go.

My very conservative churches have been holding inter-racial exchanges, throwing showers for unwed mothers, feeding the hungry, sponsoring refugees and the like for the last 40 years. Sure, most the them were republicans, but many were not.

Posted by: frankie | April 25, 2008 5:12 PM

Can I remind posters that this thread is supposed to be about Zimbabwe, not the endless lib/con/neocon loop of internal US politics. In Britain today (Sunday 27th April) is a day of prayer for Zimbabwe (fasting optional for those who don't do it on Sundays in Eastertide). Would anyone Stateside care to join us?

Bill's right. Robert Mugabe was seen (and not just by "left-leaning churches") as a promising leader of the New Africa. Tragically for his country, he has turned out to be a classic instance of Lord Acton's famous dictum that "All power tends to corrupt" and Zanu-PF has turned from being a liberation movement into an instrument of oppression into which even parts of the Church were co-opted. The struggle for the soul of the Anglican Diocese of Harare continues, with the security forces supporting the deposed bishop, Nolbert Kunonga (a long-time Mugabe crony), against his legitimately appointed successor as interim bishop, Sebastian Bakare.

The saddest aspect of the whole situation has been the South African failure to look any further than Mugabe's past as a man who shared in the struggle to free southern Africa from oppressive racist regimes. Mercifully, there are signs that Jacob Zuma (leader of the ANC and likely next president) does not share the blinkered outlook of President Thabo Mbeki, whose "quiet diplomacy" has been pretty well inaudible.

Posted by: Tony Dickinson | April 27, 2008 8:22 AM

The Power of Conscience (by Nontando Hadebe)

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