Shame in the land of Africa

After Nelson Mandela fought for the Blacks for his entire life and brought peace to the land of Africa through his tiresome effort over the years who would have thought that a man like Robert Mugabe would bring such immense shame to the continent and especially to Zimbabwe.Having been President for the past 20 years his political position has been questioned especially after killing of the tribes in midlands of Zimbabwe, expropriation of private property and printing of trillion of dollars therby triggering hyperinflation.He was also accused of harassing and intimidating political opponents.

All said and done Zimbabwe had a chance to bring about a reform with this year's election.Mugabe lost the election 43% to 48% to Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC.However the lack of 50% votes by any party forced the way to a run-off election.MDC memebers accused ZANU of rigging votes so as to swing the balance in their favour.Post elections Zimbabwe saw a completely harsh regime with members of the opposition party being tortured and murdered.The teachers who supporterd MDC in the elections went missing and many were killed.Even MDC leader Mr. Tsvangirai was forced to take shelter in the embassy fearing his life.Inflation already at 1.5m% the economy was crushed.After the re-election on june 27th Mr. Mugabe won outright.After all the opposition party had boycotted the election fearing the harsh injustice and crimes done against the people of Zimbabwe.The election could no way be considered legitimate.

FOUR months after the elections on March 29th, which were followed by a campaign of ferocious violence meted out by pro-government militias, President Robert Mugabe and the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, have agreed to start talking. That is a big breakthrough.One reason for the negotiations is that the UN, the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional group of 14 countries, have become more involved and seem less willing to give Mr Mugabe a free ride.

Is the ruling party now genuinely interested in sharing power and finding a lasting solution? Or is it buying time in a bid to outwit its rivals yet again? The circumstances have changed in Mr Mugabe’s disfavour.Indeed, Zimbabwe’s economy is now reaching a new stage in its meltdown, with inflation officially running at 2.2m% a year but in reality at least four times higher. The harvest has been bad; even bread may start to run out.The pressure is beginning to pile on the leader and if he does intend to bow out of this soon enough his neighbours are determined enough to show him the door.