Mugabe: if I lose the poll, we will wage war

[BAK]

Mugabe: if I lose the poll, we will wage war

Thousands flee rural areas as regime steps up intimidation of voters before presidential run-off

Tracy McVeigh and Alex Duval Smith,
Cape Town The Observer,
Sunday June 15 2008 Article history

A defiant President Robert Mugabe yesterday vowed he would 'go to war' if he lost the presidential run-off due to take place in less than two weeks.

Describing the opposition as 'traitors', he claimed Zimbabwe would never 'be lost' again. Speaking at the burial of a veteran of the independence war, Mugabe said he would never accept the Movement for Democratic Change taking over. 'It shall never happen ... as long as I am alive and those who fought for the country are alive,' he said. 'We are prepared to fight for our country and to go to war for it.'

The threat was seen as an angry response to the pressure mounting on the government from other African leaders over the regime's harassment of the MDC leadership and supporters in the run up to the 27 June election.

Yesterday, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was arrested again and held for three hours as he tried to campaign in the countryside. There was also a stand-off between lawyers and police in Harare's high court before Tsvangirai's deputy, Tendai Biti, finally appeared before a judge.

Earlier, according to opposition lawyer Lewis Uriri, police had told the judge, Justice Ben Hlatshwayo, that they did not think his order to produce Biti in court was genuine. A handcuffed Biti eventually told reporters that he was 'fine'. Police said he faced treason charges - which carries the death penalty - stemming from a document they claim was a blueprint for regime change. He is also accused of spreading false information for releasing the opposition's own tally from the first vote in March.

With the MDC leadership under constant harassment, voters being beaten and killed and what amounts to a curfew in some MDC rural strongholds, the likelihood of the 27 June run-off taking place in any meaningful way seems remote.

Even if the 9,231 polling stations open, there is a shortage of officers prepared to risk monitoring them. The number of international observers the government intends to let in remains unclear. Although the first of the 400 monitors for the Southern African Development Community have arrived, they have yet to be accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, whose own status is weakening - a memo from police chief Faustino Mazango, leaked to the Zimbabwean Independent newspaper, ordered his officers to take charge of the 'whole voting process'. Police had been, he said, 'too docile' during the March poll.

Rini Chipfunde, director of the leading independent monitoring group, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, said the authorities were creating an environment in which only police, soldiers and ruling party officials would be present at polling stations in rural areas. 'People will be too terrified to vote,' she said. 'Others may be bussed in by the ruling party to cast their ballots under the watchful eye of police officers.'

Sources across Zimbabwe have reported an increasing number of roadblocks manned by militias and war veterans, effectively cutting people off and creating a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

James McGee, US ambassador in Harare, said 30,000 potential MDC voters had fled their constituencies. Mugabe has already ordered charities to stop work, leaving millions struggling to find food in the collapsed economy.

A total of 67 people have been killed and tactics familiar from past state violence campaigns are returning - sticks rolled with barbed wire, whippings and arson. The internationally-touted 'third way' - a Government of National Unity - has been met with stiff opposition from the military, Zanu-PF and many in the opposition who want no truck with Mugabe. Andrea Sibanda, of Matabeleland Freedom Party said: 'Whoever is floating the idea of GNU with Mugabe and Zanu-PF must be coming from another planet. How does one unite with them when their hands are dripping with blood of their kith and kin?'

In an interview with The Observer, Jabulani Sibanda, the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association chairman, also ruled out a national unity government. He said: 'We do not want the West interfering in the affairs of the country and so we are going to vote for total independence. As long as we have a government voted for by the people, there is no problem. In fact, we are still to take more farms because there are some white farmers protected by party heavyweights holding on to land that belongs to the black majority.

 

[Mzozo wa Mizozo]

TIA [This is Africa]

 

[Nyani Ngabu]

TIA [This is Africa]

No bana!! Waafrika Sivyo Walivyo!!!!!!

 

[Yo Yo]

Now bana!! Waafrika Sivyo Walivyo!!!!!!

Hiki kibabu(Mugabe) kinanikera sana kina roho mbaya kama mkaanga sumu.

 

[Mzozo wa Mizozo]

No bana!! Waafrika Sivyo Walivyo!!!!!!

Ni kweli Waafrika sivyo tulivyo lakini hii ndio character ya viongozi wetu!

wanaanza na wizi wa kura kisha wanang'ang'ania madaraka. takwimu zipo kwa viongozi waliopo madarakani.

wapigania uhuru wa Africa, Mashujaa wa Africa angalia mwelekeo ambao wanachukua!

Africa tumeweka maslahi binafsi mbele ya maslahi ya Taifa!

 

[IndianTanzanian]

Is there any evidence that MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai will be any different if not worse than Mugabe? Sometimes the status quo is preferable in Africa. Look at Kenya for example. Kibaki was at some point the opposition similar to what Morgan Tsvangirai is in Zimbabwe. He turned out to be even worse by all accounts than his predecessor. So in Africa change is not always a good thing. Keeping the status quo may be the best solution.

 

[Kevo]

Ni kweli Waafrika sivyo tulivyo lakini hii ndio character ya viongozi wetu!

wanaanza na wizi wa kura kisha wanang'ang'ania madaraka. takwimu zipo kwa viongozi waliopo madarakani.

wapigania uhuru wa Africa, Mashujaa wa Africa angalia mwelekeo ambao wanachukua!

Africa tumeweka maslahi binafsi mbele ya maslahi ya Taifa!

Its real being immature of him.I think its time he steps aside and let other people occupy the seat although we do not know what Morgan can be but it is not bad if we give him a try. a bird in hand is worth than two in the bush.

 

[NaimaOmari]

i call this uchu of the highest order ... you really want something at the expense of another's life?? .... bila kujali how many people will perish just to fulfill your desire ... the guy is really a sadist

 

[Tufu]

Which is good! be a free hungry man or a well fed slave? Morgan Tsvangirai ni kibaraka wa mkoloni, atawarudisha wadhungu ambapo Mugabe is not ready to see that while alive!

 

[Mzozo wa Mizozo]

Which is good! be a free hungry man or a well fed slave? Morgan Tsvangirai ni kibaraka wa mkoloni, atawarudisha wadhungu ambapo Mugabe is not ready to see that while alive!

Umenena vizuri... To me I would go hungry for days but be free than a Slave who is well fed. You know there are things African Leaders wanashindwa kuvitazama kwa upeo wa juu zaidi.

Mugabe anasema ya kwamba hawezi kubali kuachia nchi mikononi mwa Kibaraka wa Mkoloni ambaye aliitawala Zimbabwe. Je katika muda wote wa Utawala wake (Zaidi ya Miaka 20) Mheshimiwa Robert Mugabe alishindwa kumuandaa/kuwaandaa Viongozi ambao angekuwa amewajenga kutokana na Itikadi na Imani zake ili siku atakapokuwa ametoka Madarakani awe na uhakika ya kwamba Nchi itaendelea kuwa katika Misingi aliyoiacha?

Ama ni kwamba aliamua kuwa Mungu Mtu akiamini ya Kwamba ataishi milele na kutawala Zimbabwe Milele akisahau kwamba kuna kifo? Ni jambo la aibu sana na ni kitu ambacho kinatokea kwa Viongozi wengi wa Afrika. Hakuna ambaye anakuwa amejiandaa kuhakikisha kwamba Legacy yake inaendelezwa.

Hata Nyerere hakuliona hilo pale ambapo aliachia fimbo ya Madaraka kwa Mzee Ruksa!!! Kwa hiyo hapa ni kwamba this guy need to go and changes zitapatikana tu pale ambapo atakubali kuachia nchi maana naamini Zimbabwe right now wanachohitaji si kuchagua Upinzani, bali kuhakikisha ya Kwamba Mugabe anatoka Madarakani.

 

[Nyambala]

Is there any evidence that MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai will be any different if not worse than Mugabe? Sometimes the status quo is preferable in Africa. Look at Kenya for example. Kibaki was at some point the opposition similar to what Morgan Tsvangirai is in Zimbabwe. He turned out to be even worse by all accounts than his predecessor. So in Africa change is not always a good thing. Keeping the status quo may be the best solution.

Mkuu huwezi kumlinganisha Mzee Kibaki na Mugabe hata siku moja........ Mugabe amebana uhuru wa vyomba vya habari, ameanzisha a terror camaign dhidi ya raia wake, ni mwendawazimu comments zake mara nyingi ni controversial na huwa hazina presidential material kabisa, ungekuwa umewahi kumsikiliza live katika miaka ya hivi karibuni huwezi kuamini....... Whilst Kibaki is the opposite.......habari huru, hana matusi katika hotuba, uchumi umekua katika utawala wake mara kadhaa kuliko wakati wa moi, wakenya sasa ni huru hawaishi tena kwa hofu hofu kama enzi za baba moi.

Infact Kibaki is far much better kuliko hata huyu kijana wa bagamoyo.

 

[Nyambala]

Mugabe makes renewed threats of war
June 14, 2008

Thezimbabwetimes


By Our Correspondent

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe on Saturday stood on the most sacred ground in Zimbabwe, the National Heroes’ Acre and threatened to take Zimbabwe to war.

Currently in the throes of a bruising presidential election campaign, Mugabe vowed once more that he would not recognise any defeat by his rival, Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, on June 27. He has said an MDC victory will signal the beginning of war. Mugabe has however, not revealed the identity of the enemy that Zimbabwe will fight if Tsvangirai wins the election.

Issuing the latest in a series of such menacing threats, Mugabe said the MDC, a party that he accuses of being mere puppets of imperialist forces engaged in schemes to oust his government, must sever its alleged links with the British and the Americans.

“We will never accept anything that smells of a delivered parcel that comes through the MDC here,” Mugabe said.

His repeated threats have engendered genuine fear among Zimbabweans as to the likely scenario in the country should Tsvangirai win the election, as is widely predicted. Analysts say Mugabe’s repeated threats are, in fact, an acknowledgment of pending defeat. If he was assured of victory he would be boasting about pending victory, they say.

Mugabe, who now shows signs of age and infirmity, is 84 years old. He has been in office as head of state continuously for the past 28 years. Previously unbeaten in any election, although he has been accused of rigging, and throwing the entire government election machinery into his campaign, Mugabe boasted in March that he would defeat Tsvangirai, dismissing him as a puppet of the west. The MDC leader, however humiliated him, outpolling Mugabe in a presidential election that was unusually peaceful.

Tsvangirai however failed to secure enough votes to form a new government. A presidential election re-run was declared early in May. By that time Zimbabwe was engulfed in a wave of brutal violence after the military was deployed throughout the country.

Armed people wearing military camouflage have been identified in many instances as being the perpetrators of the incidents of brutal violence, which has left 66 dead and hundreds injured and thousands displaced.

The security forces top brass have vowed they will not allow anyone other than Mugabe to become President of Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the National Heroes Acre Saturday during the burial of retired Lt General Amoth Chimombe who died in Harare on Monday, Mugabe repeated his now familiar mantra that the British and the Americans continue to interfere in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs “as if we remain a colony of Britain”.

The late Chimombe was Commander of the SADC Allied Task Force in the DRC at the time when President Laurent Kabila was assassinated by one of his bodyguards in January 2001.

Economic analysts say Zimbabwe’s current economic meltdown, with inflation now reaching 1 700 000 percent, stemmed from Mugabe arbitrary decision to involve the country’s military in the DRC adventure. At its peak, the war to prop up Kabila cost Zimbabwe US$1 million a day.

“We are no one’s subjects and never will be,” Mugabe said, speaking at the graveside. “We are masters of our own destiny and the matter of regime change is a matter for Zimbabweans to decide.”

Over the past few days, Mugabe has repeatedly vowed he will not accept an MDC victory on June 27. He says the MDC intends to return the land to the white commercial farmers who were dispossessed of farms in a violent land redistribution exercise prior to the 2000 general elections.

On Friday Mugabe vowed never to “allow the pen (the ballot) to remain mightier that the sword” and threatened to go to war if he lost the presidential election re-run to Tsvangirai.

“Surely democracy can’t mean the right to pawn our sovereignty. We are prepared to fight for our country if we lose it the way it was lost to Mbuya Nehanda,” Mugabe said. “We will not sanctify the politics of the opposition when they seek to overturn and subvert our sovereignty.

“This country came through bloodshed. And we are expected to allow our country to be governed by nonentities? That will never happen. British rule ended. Let them heed that the war was meant to destroy British rule and kick out settlerism.”

He accused the MDC of seeking to undermine his land reform program. Government’s ill-prepared land redistribution campaign starting in 2000 triggered the collapse of a once highly productive agricultural sector. Zimbabwe has been forced to import food for the past seven years at a time when it is experiencing a severe foreign currency shortage.

· Now listen to what Zimbaweans are saying!!!!!!!
Sydney Malunga on June 14th, 2008 5:53 pm
Mugabe is joking and his sentiments show very well what happens when someone remains in politics until he is 84. He talks about war, who will he be fighting? Those so called “War Veterans of his, the majority of them did not even smell of a bullet.They were too young and some were not even born. Zimbabweans will not re-elect Mugabe because of his war record. If he went to war there was no single Zimbabwean who went to knock on his door to ask him to go and join the liberation struggle. He did it of his own volition. If his sentiments are anything to go by, then this would be proof that when he joined the struggle he was not motivated by the desire to set the Zimbabwean people free, but it was for his selfish egocentric needs. We know that war requires huge amounts of money. Where will he get that money from, when for the past eight years, his party has been expressing financial problems, even to meet very basic needs. This is a proof that they are all hypocrites and thugs. Even if they start the war they will not win, because they will find themselves allienated by the SADC, AU, UN and even Mbeki who has been their key player throughout the whole of this impasse.The old man should be wise and just conceed defeat, in order to be left with any dignity however tainted.

Leopold Takawira on June 14th, 2008 6:46 pm
That’s the Zanu-PF definition of democracy. Surely this madness must end.

Josiah Tongo on June 14th, 2008 8:02 pm
This old man is now totally bonkers.Please just go, you old tyrant. No one will fight your stupid war.

shingai on June 14th, 2008 8:27 pm
I think these kind of comments should be on record so he faces the music soon.
Next it will be you, Chinamasa, Charamba and Shiri sharing a cell at Matapi!

Paul Chikozho on June 14th, 2008 10:58 pm
Zimbabwe would be better off without this old man. His reign of terror is coming to an end whether he likes it or not. Noone in his/her right frame of mind would shed their own blood fighting for him.

Mugabe on June 15th, 2008 12:14 am
Mugabe at 84 you want to go to war ? You want to fight who? the people of Zimbabwe.Then why did we fight the whites: for democracy; one man one vote. Saka iwe Mugabe hauchaziva zvatakarwiraka. Warasika gwara rechimurenga. Saka hazvizvekufungidzira KWETE. Come 27 June you are OUT uchida, usingadi.

Marx Mukuruwangu on June 15th, 2008 12:35 am
WHO IS HE GOING TO BE FIGHTING? THIS IDIOT SHOULD NEVER EVER HAVE BEEN IN CHARGE OF A REAL COUNTRY !!! ROBERT MUGABE SUFFERS FROM A SMALL MAN’S SYNDROME IN CHARGE OF TOO HUGE A TASK TO PERFORM! YOU JUST HAVE TO WATCH HIM MAKE A FOOL OF HIMSELF WHILE THE WHOLE NATION BURNS!

zimbabwe insurgency on June 15th, 2008 1:00 am
Does this old man think he is the only one thinking about war,well he is in for a huge surprise.Those that have a plan,especially one that involves war,never preach about it.He knows defeat is certain and real.He is just trying to intimidate people,but what he is forgetting is that Zimhondi, Chiwenga and Chihuri cannot fight a real war.These zanoids think a war is that easy. During the ‘liberation’ struggle, it was easy because they were the majority, they had the cover of the rural folk. They knew who was on their side and who was not. Those that went to war never went there for money,they were ready to die for their country. Vakazvipira. Does mugabe think that his green bombers are ready to die for him,if he does he should think again.Why are they not doing what they are doing in the urban areas where they would square it up with youthful MDC supporters. After all the army does not like him, they voted for the MDC. Let them start the war and we will see. I thought sovereignty has something to do with one’s worth, respect, dignity, freedom, sense of belonging, democracy, love, right to own, right to speak out, right to think and having a better life. What makes mugabe think he knows what every zimbabwean wants. We went to war for the right to vote, land for all, equality, respect, health-care, education, justice, food and freedom, and what have we got out of all these. Nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least during colonialism you could do a budget, have good health-care, visit your relatives in the rural areas, feel safe among other Zimbabweans. Now there is a lot more you can’t do that you could do under white rule. TO HELL WITH ZANU,MUGABE AND YOUR SUPPORTERS.

Darlington on June 15th, 2008 1:01 am
With lunatics like Chinotimba on his side we should brace ourself for tough times, we need people in the urban areas to vote in their thousands to counter those who were displaced from the rural areas, Commenting on Shingai’s comments, i think the likes of Chinamasa and Charamba should not even go to the worst jails, they should just be killed and save us money to look after them in jail

Tichakura Riini on June 15th, 2008 2:30 am
People should not be fooled by President Robert Mugabe. If anything, I have not known anyone who claims to be a political figure of repute who is such a coward as Robert. He is afraid of dying as was clearly demonstrated by his actions during the liberation struggle. When comrades were bombed and killed in the camps by the Smith regime, Mugabe never visited the camps but would rather send one of his cronies to the camps for fear that he would be killed in the process. It is just politicking that he is calling to go to war now. As far as I am aware, President Mugabe never had any military training and can not distinguish between a gun and a grenade. If he is calling some of the ill advised war veterans to go to war to preserve his political ambition, I can not be surprised because he is good at fooling people. I know it because I have been fooled before.

True War Veteran

Faraway on June 15th, 2008 2:38 am
If Mugabe and his corrupt regime hate Britain so much, why is it they continue to deal with Barclays Bank, to get the millions in loans they need to be able to prop up the government.

mambo Benhura on June 15th, 2008 3:04 am
hezvoko bright, huya tisangane.

mutonhodza on June 15th, 2008 3:52 am
He is talking genocide.He is saying I killed 20 000 people in Matebeleland and you see nothing happened to me. So I can kill with impunity while the world is watching.I mean the Generals who committed most of those crimes are still in charge.But he is afraid and he is now running scared.Whatever he says he is electioneering.He has been bludgeoning people into submission but I think he lost the plot.He cant face the truth hence the truth.He is now treating the people like little children. The world must stop him.It happened in Rwanda. We need the United Nations to stop him. The international community must act now.

Nyika Yedu on June 15th, 2008 9:17 am
The illegitimate regime of Robert Mugabe faces its endgame. The man has been rejected by the Zimbabwean people but insists on forcing himself upon the people. It is indeed the endgame. Mugabe threatens war if he loses the elections. The question is to fight whom? Who will fight in his corner when , as Geoff Nyarota rightly states that Joseoh Chinotimba was NEVER a War Veteran to add to that Chenjerai “Hitler ” Hunzvi, the late, was NEVER a War Vet. Jabulani Sibanda was NEVER a War Vet. So which War Vet is he going to call upon to fight his war ?

Take it a step further, Mugabe himself was NEVER a War Vet. He was in Maputo, Mozambique, teaching English while the real War Vets like Josiah Tongogara were at the frontline fighting the real war !

The question is who will fight his war given the above War Vets’ credentials ? Will the economy withstand the war? Will they leave the comforts of their ill gotten wealth to go back to the bush? Will age be a factor ? Mugabe is too old even to brush his own teeth. It is the endgame for Mugabe and his Zanu (PF) !

Mac on June 15th, 2008 9:27 am
If he is true to his word that he does not want to be someone’s subject, he should forthwith call the Queen and tell her that he wants his knighthood revoked. Because as far as I know, knights are there to protect the King and Queen of England! I may be mistaken!

Pidigori Waenda on June 15th, 2008 11:37 am
DEMENTIA…a devastating loss of persoanality, memory and intellect.The majority of cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease and affects 10% of the over 80’s.No treatment for this devastating illness is currently available…

Thats my diagnosis for theold man, his days are numbered !!!

Leopold Takawira on June 15th, 2008 12:02 pm
What’s the purpose of going on with this election if Mugabe is not going to accept defeat. He should just call off the election and declare himself life president of Zimbabwe. I never thought Zanu PF would sink this low. God will rescue the children of Zimbabwe from this evil regime. Remember how the children of Israel suffered in the hands of the Egyptians but when the time came, God delivered them, this is what is going to happen to Zimbabwe soon. Kana Mwari vakati zvakwana sekuru Bob hapana chamungaite munotoenda chete muchida musingade! Zanu PF is evil to the core.

tadzoka on June 15th, 2008 1:31 pm
Mugabe is gone come 27 June 208.

Eusy M on June 15th, 2008 2:04 pm
This man promises war, is there anybody who has challenged him along those lines. The challenge he faces is that one on the 27th of June. Can he please allow us speak our minds without any threats. At school we used to have a fellow who used to boast about having ‘mangoromera’, he was later threshed by a fellow student a girl for that matter and lost all his pride. End of term he transfered from the school. Mr Mugabe be warned you are intelligent enough to see that what people want is a change and not war.

BetterZim aka June 27 on June 15th, 2008 2:25 pm
Every Zimbabwean has to be there on June 27 to cast their vote,otherwise we will be blaming Mbeki,SADC,UN etc.

Zimbabwe has the capacity to be one of the best countries Africa has ever seen.We have the best human resource on the continent. We have a diverse mining sector with gold, asbestos, platinum, uranium, iron ore, coal, tin and diamond. We are home to one of the seven wonders of the world-The Victoria Falls,not even thinking about the Agricultural sector. We have the infrastructure ready all is needed is for all of us to cast our vote in two weeks time

Paul Chikozho on June 15th, 2008 2:35 pm
Notice to uncle Bob’s family

Robert, Grace, Bonna, Robert (Junior) and Chatunga, you are hereby given a notice by the people of Zimbabwe to leave the State House Premises not later than the 27th of June 2008. Failure to pay heed to this notice will result in you being forcibly removed. Make sure you don’t leave any of your belongings. The new tenant Morgan Tsvangirai will be moving in as soon as possible. Hooray !!!!!!!! the days of tyranny are almost over.

n'gados on June 15th, 2008 2:41 pm
This statement is tantamount to treason. It expresses insurrection against the wishes of the Zimbabwean people should they choose an MDC government come June 27. It is not against the MDC, but rather the people of Zimbabwe. It robs the people of their free will. It must be seen as that. And these goons are charging Biti for announcing results that were already in the public domain? That were factually correct?

Tamuka on June 15th, 2008 4:19 pm
In our Shona culture it`s important to listen to our Elders even though you think they are wrong and try to convince them behind closed doors. As far as the issue of ruling Zimbabwe, President Mugabe should be listened to because they know the tricks of the western worlds. How long we will come to realise that Mugabe really wants to empower Blacks, MaZimbabwean moda kuramba muri malodger here. If people are not careful there will be serious problems in our country, if we show no respect to the people who liberate Zimbabwe. The War Vets, other people in the Army and the Police and the 300,000 people who were allocated the farms are ready to defend the legacy of the Black People.

Zimbabweans should behave as cultured people not like English people who disrespect their Elders, Mugabe helped Zimbabwe in many ways so he will go on God approval otherwise you can should him to go a thousand times. Zimbabwe is now at cross roads and it`s important to listen and show some respect to those who liberate Zimbabwe, Mr Tsvangirai should say what ever he is going to do if he wins the election and how he will unite our country as one.

Otherwise if Morgan Tsvangirai does not say what he is going to do with the land reform and his relationship with UK, even me and most of my friends outside Zimbabwe it will be better not to have him as the President of Zimbabwe because he can cause unnecessary civil war.

You may dismiss this assumption but the truth is Morgan is not capable to rule Zimbabwe alone, he will delete our history from the first struggle to where we are now and replace it with his his history of sponsored democracy. Most of the problems currently facing Zimbabwe is because of sanctions supported by the MDC and their sponsors. I am sure many people will find this truth uncomfortable and I do expect hostile comments but I will stand with my principles.

DUPONT Joe on June 15th, 2008 4:21 pm
Mugabe is really desperate,behind his windscreen glasses you can see anger and fear. He should be disposed of urgently. How can a president mention war to his own people, just to stay in power with all his decorated like clowns.

MUGABE IS AS GOOD AS DEAD (politically) and should not be allowed to leave the country, so that we may judge him with all his cronies.

Clyde B. Chakupeta on June 15th, 2008 4:23 pm
We are no one’s subjects and never will be,” Mugabe said, speaking at the graveside. “We are masters of our own destiny and the matter of regime change is a matter for Zimbabweans to decide.”

In his own words, Mugabe says its a matter for Zimbabweans to decide, yet he contradicts himself when he says he will not accept defeat. Does Zimbabwe only mean those affiliated to ZANU PF? A win by the MDC, which means Zimbabweans have voted, to Mugabe would mean nothing because for him Zimbabwe is synonmous with ZANU PF - what a myopic way of reducing Zimbabwe. The Americans and the British he is always ranting about are not registered voters in Zimbabwe, whatever outcome of the election means Zimbabweans have voted, so why limit it to ZANU PF. And he has the temerity to threaten going to war, we are as well ready and can defend our constitutional right, to rule ourselves. Bravo men and women, never be threatened by one whose purpose in life is just a comical manifestation of “unconcern” for the true Zimbabweans

DUPONT Joe on June 15th, 2008 4:27 pm
I noticed, that Mugabe has a small mustache, the same as Hitler had. This shows that the similarity confirm that Mugabe is as mad and ruthless as Hitler.

Lets hope that he will not have time to do as much damage.

Oliver on June 15th, 2008 4:47 pm
Upon moving in the State House, Tsvangirai should have Mugabe arrested and charged with treason, him and his leutenants. Viva Tsvangirai, pasi naMugabe. May June 27 seal Mugabe’s fate and may he never ever see the outside of Harare Central Prison again where he can hear Tsvangirai’s motorcade leaving and entering the State House from his cell. Let him live in there all his left. As for the generals and leutenants, seal their fate by sending them to Chikurubi and waste away in confinement.

WILLIAM HAMILTON on June 15th, 2008 5:04 pm
QUITE SURPRISED THAT THERE ARE TWO VERY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE WHOM HE MAY HAVE LISTENED TO BUT THEY BOTH HAVE REMAINED SILENT ON HIS INHUMANE TREATMENT OF HIS OWN PEOPLE, THESE ARE NELSON MANDELA AND POPE BENEDICT (MUGABE BEING A DEVOUT CATHOLIC) I WONDER WHY ???

Chatunga Mafirakureva on June 15th, 2008 5:53 pm
Just got a report from Zw that ZANU is killing and burning its own supporters homes to decampaign the MDC and cower the rural folk into either voting for Mugabe or abstaining.Mugabe has put in place a strong rigging machine and he says even if he loses he wont cede power anyway so the MDC should not contest this election. They have done very well under very difficult circumstances and suffered humiliating treatment from the ZRP and CIO whilst the world looks on.The MDC should not legitimise Mugabe by taking part in this election ! I understand MT wanted to show the pple he IS the man but the conditions aren’t free and fair !!!

ReturningToheadASchool on June 15th, 2008 7:08 pm
He thinks if he and his chiefs can control the army in the office they can still control them in the bush. He surely cant be talking about his war vets fighting with the youngest being way above 45years old! The problem with this party is its denial, feats of desperation and cluelessness how to stop the new revolution. They want to monopolise the independence, the liberation struggle, anaMbuya nehanda , etc, Thats why they still want to talk about war because after independence they did nothing worth talking about. They are busy fighting America and the UK and want to portray that they are the real MDC but turn a blind eye that they were also desperately wanting to be friends with them and thought that would happen when Brown took over. ‘To threaten the MDC at every turn is also to threaten the majority of Zimbabweans as reflected in the result of the March 29 election.

Honestly, with all the purportedly ‘learned, tried and tested’ officials in Zanu-PF, can someone not tell them, as happened that:

-Monopolising the press no longer works in Zim, especially with the advent of the internet.
-Bluntly lying to a nation with over 80 percent literacy does not work.
-Buying votes with tractors, cars, buses on the eve of the election did not work in March. This time there is no money.
-Forcing people to attend rallies, all-night meetings, heroes acre like does not work in the polling station.
-Giving un’payslipped’ windfalls to police, army,.. does not work anymore.
-Giving computers to all schools without electricity does not work.
-That you cant win a re-run after losing the first election.
The sooner they see this the better for them as the opposition.
Was Chinamasa a seat in the Senate.

Marxian Tseping on June 15th, 2008 9:45 pm
What is happening in Zimbabwe is a classic case of what happens when a grand noble national plan/national agenda is put in the hands of a small minded, narrow visioned and largely dull man. Had the national agenda been put in capable hands, 28 yrs is a very long time for this young nation to be showcasing real progress in very many sectors of human endeavour - e.g good national governancy, good housing, sustainable food production and use of land resources. Because Robert Mugabe never really understood the aims and objectives of the peoples’ aspirations, his pseudo-revolution is falling down for lack of a firm foundation/basis.I n human terms, in 28 yrs one has completed University education, has a wife/husband, probably blessed with one/two children, owns a house, albeit with an outstanding mortgage. Its easy then to measure the success of an individual basing on these and other social measures. Now, back to Robert Mugabe and his Zimbabwe - can he pick just three achievements on a hand of five fingers, that he can proudly say this we managed to do in the space of 28 yrs during my stewardship of the national ship? It is precisely this - the lack of tangible standing milestones, the lack of a foundation that is bringing down on this illegal regime.The old man is not even ashamed to go to a national shrine and shout at the top of his voice that he will wage war against the people he is leading - such is the narrow-mindedness of Robert Mugabe.

 

[IndianTanzanian]

Mugabe makes renewed threats of war
June 14, 2008

Thezimbabwetimes


By Our Correspondent

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe on Saturday stood on the most sacred ground in Zimbabwe, the National Heroes’ Acre and threatened to take Zimbabwe to war.

Currently in the throes of a bruising presidential election campaign, Mugabe vowed once more that he would not recognise any defeat by his rival, Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, on June 27. He has said an MDC victory will signal the beginning of war. Mugabe has however, not revealed the identity of the enemy that Zimbabwe will fight if Tsvangirai wins the election.

Issuing the latest in a series of such menacing threats, Mugabe said the MDC, a party that he accuses of being mere puppets of imperialist forces engaged in schemes to oust his government, must sever its alleged links with the British and the Americans.

“We will never accept anything that smells of a delivered parcel that comes through the MDC here,” Mugabe said.

His repeated threats have engendered genuine fear among Zimbabweans as to the likely scenario in the country should Tsvangirai win the election, as is widely predicted. Analysts say Mugabe’s repeated threats are, in fact, an acknowledgment of pending defeat. If he was assured of victory he would be boasting about pending victory, they say.

Mugabe, who now shows signs of age and infirmity, is 84 years old. He has been in office as head of state continuously for the past 28 years. Previously unbeaten in any election, although he has been accused of rigging, and throwing the entire government election machinery into his campaign, Mugabe boasted in March that he would defeat Tsvangirai, dismissing him as a puppet of the west. The MDC leader, however humiliated him, outpolling Mugabe in a presidential election that was unusually peaceful.

Tsvangirai however failed to secure enough votes to form a new government. A presidential election re-run was declared early in May. By that time Zimbabwe was engulfed in a wave of brutal violence after the military was deployed throughout the country.

Armed people wearing military camouflage have been identified in many instances as being the perpetrators of the incidents of brutal violence, which has left 66 dead and hundreds injured and thousands displaced.

The security forces top brass have vowed they will not allow anyone other than Mugabe to become President of Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the National Heroes Acre Saturday during the burial of retired Lt General Amoth Chimombe who died in Harare on Monday, Mugabe repeated his now familiar mantra that the British and the Americans continue to interfere in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs “as if we remain a colony of Britain”.

The late Chimombe was Commander of the SADC Allied Task Force in the DRC at the time when President Laurent Kabila was assassinated by one of his bodyguards in January 2001.

Economic analysts say Zimbabwe’s current economic meltdown, with inflation now reaching 1 700 000 percent, stemmed from Mugabe arbitrary decision to involve the country’s military in the DRC adventure. At its peak, the war to prop up Kabila cost Zimbabwe US$1 million a day.

“We are no one’s subjects and never will be,” Mugabe said, speaking at the graveside. “We are masters of our own destiny and the matter of regime change is a matter for Zimbabweans to decide.”

Over the past few days, Mugabe has repeatedly vowed he will not accept an MDC victory on June 27. He says the MDC intends to return the land to the white commercial farmers who were dispossessed of farms in a violent land redistribution exercise prior to the 2000 general elections.

On Friday Mugabe vowed never to “allow the pen (the ballot) to remain mightier that the sword” and threatened to go to war if he lost the presidential election re-run to Tsvangirai.

“Surely democracy can’t mean the right to pawn our sovereignty. We are prepared to fight for our country if we lose it the way it was lost to Mbuya Nehanda,” Mugabe said. “We will not sanctify the politics of the opposition when they seek to overturn and subvert our sovereignty.

“This country came through bloodshed. And we are expected to allow our country to be governed by nonentities? That will never happen. British rule ended. Let them heed that the war was meant to destroy British rule and kick out settlerism.”

He accused the MDC of seeking to undermine his land reform program. Government’s ill-prepared land redistribution campaign starting in 2000 triggered the collapse of a once highly productive agricultural sector. Zimbabwe has been forced to import food for the past seven years at a time when it is experiencing a severe foreign currency shortage.

· Now listen to what Zimbaweans are saying!!!!!!!
Sydney Malunga on June 14th, 2008 5:53 pm
Mugabe is joking and his sentiments show very well what happens when someone remains in politics until he is 84. He talks about war, who will he be fighting? Those so called “War Veterans of his, the majority of them did not even smell of a bullet.They were too young and some were not even born. Zimbabweans will not re-elect Mugabe because of his war record. If he went to war there was no single Zimbabwean who went to knock on his door to ask him to go and join the liberation struggle. He did it of his own volition. If his sentiments are anything to go by, then this would be proof that when he joined the struggle he was not motivated by the desire to set the Zimbabwean people free, but it was for his selfish egocentric needs. We know that war requires huge amounts of money. Where will he get that money from, when for the past eight years, his party has been expressing financial problems, even to meet very basic needs. This is a proof that they are all hypocrites and thugs. Even if they start the war they will not win, because they will find themselves allienated by the SADC, AU, UN and even Mbeki who has been their key player throughout the whole of this impasse.The old man should be wise and just conceed defeat, in order to be left with any dignity however tainted.

Leopold Takawira on June 14th, 2008 6:46 pm
That’s the Zanu-PF definition of democracy. Surely this madness must end.

Josiah Tongo on June 14th, 2008 8:02 pm
This old man is now totally bonkers.Please just go, you old tyrant. No one will fight your stupid war.

shingai on June 14th, 2008 8:27 pm
I think these kind of comments should be on record so he faces the music soon.
Next it will be you, Chinamasa, Charamba and Shiri sharing a cell at Matapi!

Paul Chikozho on June 14th, 2008 10:58 pm
Zimbabwe would be better off without this old man. His reign of terror is coming to an end whether he likes it or not. Noone in his/her right frame of mind would shed their own blood fighting for him.

Mugabe on June 15th, 2008 12:14 am
Mugabe at 84 you want to go to war ? You want to fight who? the people of Zimbabwe.Then why did we fight the whites: for democracy; one man one vote. Saka iwe Mugabe hauchaziva zvatakarwiraka. Warasika gwara rechimurenga. Saka hazvizvekufungidzira KWETE. Come 27 June you are OUT uchida, usingadi.

Marx Mukuruwangu on June 15th, 2008 12:35 am
WHO IS HE GOING TO BE FIGHTING? THIS IDIOT SHOULD NEVER EVER HAVE BEEN IN CHARGE OF A REAL COUNTRY !!! ROBERT MUGABE SUFFERS FROM A SMALL MAN’S SYNDROME IN CHARGE OF TOO HUGE A TASK TO PERFORM! YOU JUST HAVE TO WATCH HIM MAKE A FOOL OF HIMSELF WHILE THE WHOLE NATION BURNS!

zimbabwe insurgency on June 15th, 2008 1:00 am
Does this old man think he is the only one thinking about war,well he is in for a huge surprise.Those that have a plan,especially one that involves war,never preach about it.He knows defeat is certain and real.He is just trying to intimidate people,but what he is forgetting is that Zimhondi, Chiwenga and Chihuri cannot fight a real war.These zanoids think a war is that easy. During the ‘liberation’ struggle, it was easy because they were the majority, they had the cover of the rural folk. They knew who was on their side and who was not. Those that went to war never went there for money,they were ready to die for their country. Vakazvipira. Does mugabe think that his green bombers are ready to die for him,if he does he should think again.Why are they not doing what they are doing in the urban areas where they would square it up with youthful MDC supporters. After all the army does not like him, they voted for the MDC. Let them start the war and we will see. I thought sovereignty has something to do with one’s worth, respect, dignity, freedom, sense of belonging, democracy, love, right to own, right to speak out, right to think and having a better life. What makes mugabe think he knows what every zimbabwean wants. We went to war for the right to vote, land for all, equality, respect, health-care, education, justice, food and freedom, and what have we got out of all these. Nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least during colonialism you could do a budget, have good health-care, visit your relatives in the rural areas, feel safe among other Zimbabweans. Now there is a lot more you can’t do that you could do under white rule. TO HELL WITH ZANU,MUGABE AND YOUR SUPPORTERS.

Darlington on June 15th, 2008 1:01 am
With lunatics like Chinotimba on his side we should brace ourself for tough times, we need people in the urban areas to vote in their thousands to counter those who were displaced from the rural areas, Commenting on Shingai’s comments, i think the likes of Chinamasa and Charamba should not even go to the worst jails, they should just be killed and save us money to look after them in jail

Tichakura Riini on June 15th, 2008 2:30 am
People should not be fooled by President Robert Mugabe. If anything, I have not known anyone who claims to be a political figure of repute who is such a coward as Robert. He is afraid of dying as was clearly demonstrated by his actions during the liberation struggle. When comrades were bombed and killed in the camps by the Smith regime, Mugabe never visited the camps but would rather send one of his cronies to the camps for fear that he would be killed in the process. It is just politicking that he is calling to go to war now. As far as I am aware, President Mugabe never had any military training and can not distinguish between a gun and a grenade. If he is calling some of the ill advised war veterans to go to war to preserve his political ambition, I can not be surprised because he is good at fooling people. I know it because I have been fooled before.

True War Veteran

Faraway on June 15th, 2008 2:38 am
If Mugabe and his corrupt regime hate Britain so much, why is it they continue to deal with Barclays Bank, to get the millions in loans they need to be able to prop up the government.

mambo Benhura on June 15th, 2008 3:04 am
hezvoko bright, huya tisangane.

mutonhodza on June 15th, 2008 3:52 am
He is talking genocide.He is saying I killed 20 000 people in Matebeleland and you see nothing happened to me. So I can kill with impunity while the world is watching.I mean the Generals who committed most of those crimes are still in charge.But he is afraid and he is now running scared.Whatever he says he is electioneering.He has been bludgeoning people into submission but I think he lost the plot.He cant face the truth hence the truth.He is now treating the people like little children. The world must stop him.It happened in Rwanda. We need the United Nations to stop him. The international community must act now.

Nyika Yedu on June 15th, 2008 9:17 am
The illegitimate regime of Robert Mugabe faces its endgame. The man has been rejected by the Zimbabwean people but insists on forcing himself upon the people. It is indeed the endgame. Mugabe threatens war if he loses the elections. The question is to fight whom? Who will fight in his corner when , as Geoff Nyarota rightly states that Joseoh Chinotimba was NEVER a War Veteran to add to that Chenjerai “Hitler ” Hunzvi, the late, was NEVER a War Vet. Jabulani Sibanda was NEVER a War Vet. So which War Vet is he going to call upon to fight his war ?

Take it a step further, Mugabe himself was NEVER a War Vet. He was in Maputo, Mozambique, teaching English while the real War Vets like Josiah Tongogara were at the frontline fighting the real war !

The question is who will fight his war given the above War Vets’ credentials ? Will the economy withstand the war? Will they leave the comforts of their ill gotten wealth to go back to the bush? Will age be a factor ? Mugabe is too old even to brush his own teeth. It is the endgame for Mugabe and his Zanu (PF) !

Mac on June 15th, 2008 9:27 am
If he is true to his word that he does not want to be someone’s subject, he should forthwith call the Queen and tell her that he wants his knighthood revoked. Because as far as I know, knights are there to protect the King and Queen of England! I may be mistaken!

Pidigori Waenda on June 15th, 2008 11:37 am
DEMENTIA…a devastating loss of persoanality, memory and intellect.The majority of cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease and affects 10% of the over 80’s.No treatment for this devastating illness is currently available…

Thats my diagnosis for theold man, his days are numbered !!!

Leopold Takawira on June 15th, 2008 12:02 pm
What’s the purpose of going on with this election if Mugabe is not going to accept defeat. He should just call off the election and declare himself life president of Zimbabwe. I never thought Zanu PF would sink this low. God will rescue the children of Zimbabwe from this evil regime. Remember how the children of Israel suffered in the hands of the Egyptians but when the time came, God delivered them, this is what is going to happen to Zimbabwe soon. Kana Mwari vakati zvakwana sekuru Bob hapana chamungaite munotoenda chete muchida musingade! Zanu PF is evil to the core.

tadzoka on June 15th, 2008 1:31 pm
Mugabe is gone come 27 June 208.

Eusy M on June 15th, 2008 2:04 pm
This man promises war, is there anybody who has challenged him along those lines. The challenge he faces is that one on the 27th of June. Can he please allow us speak our minds without any threats. At school we used to have a fellow who used to boast about having ‘mangoromera’, he was later threshed by a fellow student a girl for that matter and lost all his pride. End of term he transfered from the school. Mr Mugabe be warned you are intelligent enough to see that what people want is a change and not war.

BetterZim aka June 27 on June 15th, 2008 2:25 pm
Every Zimbabwean has to be there on June 27 to cast their vote,otherwise we will be blaming Mbeki,SADC,UN etc.

Zimbabwe has the capacity to be one of the best countries Africa has ever seen.We have the best human resource on the continent. We have a diverse mining sector with gold, asbestos, platinum, uranium, iron ore, coal, tin and diamond. We are home to one of the seven wonders of the world-The Victoria Falls,not even thinking about the Agricultural sector. We have the infrastructure ready all is needed is for all of us to cast our vote in two weeks time

Paul Chikozho on June 15th, 2008 2:35 pm
Notice to uncle Bob’s family

Robert, Grace, Bonna, Robert (Junior) and Chatunga, you are hereby given a notice by the people of Zimbabwe to leave the State House Premises not later than the 27th of June 2008. Failure to pay heed to this notice will result in you being forcibly removed. Make sure you don’t leave any of your belongings. The new tenant Morgan Tsvangirai will be moving in as soon as possible. Hooray !!!!!!!! the days of tyranny are almost over.

n'gados on June 15th, 2008 2:41 pm
This statement is tantamount to treason. It expresses insurrection against the wishes of the Zimbabwean people should they choose an MDC government come June 27. It is not against the MDC, but rather the people of Zimbabwe. It robs the people of their free will. It must be seen as that. And these goons are charging Biti for announcing results that were already in the public domain? That were factually correct?

Tamuka on June 15th, 2008 4:19 pm
In our Shona culture it`s important to listen to our Elders even though you think they are wrong and try to convince them behind closed doors. As far as the issue of ruling Zimbabwe, President Mugabe should be listened to because they know the tricks of the western worlds. How long we will come to realise that Mugabe really wants to empower Blacks, MaZimbabwean moda kuramba muri malodger here. If people are not careful there will be serious problems in our country, if we show no respect to the people who liberate Zimbabwe. The War Vets, other people in the Army and the Police and the 300,000 people who were allocated the farms are ready to defend the legacy of the Black People.

Zimbabweans should behave as cultured people not like English people who disrespect their Elders, Mugabe helped Zimbabwe in many ways so he will go on God approval otherwise you can should him to go a thousand times. Zimbabwe is now at cross roads and it`s important to listen and show some respect to those who liberate Zimbabwe, Mr Tsvangirai should say what ever he is going to do if he wins the election and how he will unite our country as one.

Otherwise if Morgan Tsvangirai does not say what he is going to do with the land reform and his relationship with UK, even me and most of my friends outside Zimbabwe it will be better not to have him as the President of Zimbabwe because he can cause unnecessary civil war.

You may dismiss this assumption but the truth is Morgan is not capable to rule Zimbabwe alone, he will delete our history from the first struggle to where we are now and replace it with his his history of sponsored democracy. Most of the problems currently facing Zimbabwe is because of sanctions supported by the MDC and their sponsors. I am sure many people will find this truth uncomfortable and I do expect hostile comments but I will stand with my principles.

DUPONT Joe on June 15th, 2008 4:21 pm
Mugabe is really desperate,behind his windscreen glasses you can see anger and fear. He should be disposed of urgently. How can a president mention war to his own people, just to stay in power with all his decorated like clowns.

MUGABE IS AS GOOD AS DEAD (politically) and should not be allowed to leave the country, so that we may judge him with all his cronies.

Clyde B. Chakupeta on June 15th, 2008 4:23 pm
We are no one’s subjects and never will be,” Mugabe said, speaking at the graveside. “We are masters of our own destiny and the matter of regime change is a matter for Zimbabweans to decide.”

In his own words, Mugabe says its a matter for Zimbabweans to decide, yet he contradicts himself when he says he will not accept defeat. Does Zimbabwe only mean those affiliated to ZANU PF? A win by the MDC, which means Zimbabweans have voted, to Mugabe would mean nothing because for him Zimbabwe is synonmous with ZANU PF - what a myopic way of reducing Zimbabwe. The Americans and the British he is always ranting about are not registered voters in Zimbabwe, whatever outcome of the election means Zimbabweans have voted, so why limit it to ZANU PF. And he has the temerity to threaten going to war, we are as well ready and can defend our constitutional right, to rule ourselves. Bravo men and women, never be threatened by one whose purpose in life is just a comical manifestation of “unconcern” for the true Zimbabweans

DUPONT Joe on June 15th, 2008 4:27 pm
I noticed, that Mugabe has a small mustache, the same as Hitler had. This shows that the similarity confirm that Mugabe is as mad and ruthless as Hitler.

Lets hope that he will not have time to do as much damage.

Oliver on June 15th, 2008 4:47 pm
Upon moving in the State House, Tsvangirai should have Mugabe arrested and charged with treason, him and his leutenants. Viva Tsvangirai, pasi naMugabe. May June 27 seal Mugabe’s fate and may he never ever see the outside of Harare Central Prison again where he can hear Tsvangirai’s motorcade leaving and entering the State House from his cell. Let him live in there all his left. As for the generals and leutenants, seal their fate by sending them to Chikurubi and waste away in confinement.

WILLIAM HAMILTON on June 15th, 2008 5:04 pm
QUITE SURPRISED THAT THERE ARE TWO VERY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE WHOM HE MAY HAVE LISTENED TO BUT THEY BOTH HAVE REMAINED SILENT ON HIS INHUMANE TREATMENT OF HIS OWN PEOPLE, THESE ARE NELSON MANDELA AND POPE BENEDICT (MUGABE BEING A DEVOUT CATHOLIC) I WONDER WHY ???

Chatunga Mafirakureva on June 15th, 2008 5:53 pm
Just got a report from Zw that ZANU is killing and burning its own supporters homes to decampaign the MDC and cower the rural folk into either voting for Mugabe or abstaining.Mugabe has put in place a strong rigging machine and he says even if he loses he wont cede power anyway so the MDC should not contest this election. They have done very well under very difficult circumstances and suffered humiliating treatment from the ZRP and CIO whilst the world looks on.The MDC should not legitimise Mugabe by taking part in this election ! I understand MT wanted to show the pple he IS the man but the conditions aren’t free and fair !!!

ReturningToheadASchool on June 15th, 2008 7:08 pm
He thinks if he and his chiefs can control the army in the office they can still control them in the bush. He surely cant be talking about his war vets fighting with the youngest being way above 45years old! The problem with this party is its denial, feats of desperation and cluelessness how to stop the new revolution. They want to monopolise the independence, the liberation struggle, anaMbuya nehanda , etc, Thats why they still want to talk about war because after independence they did nothing worth talking about. They are busy fighting America and the UK and want to portray that they are the real MDC but turn a blind eye that they were also desperately wanting to be friends with them and thought that would happen when Brown took over. ‘To threaten the MDC at every turn is also to threaten the majority of Zimbabweans as reflected in the result of the March 29 election.

Honestly, with all the purportedly ‘learned, tried and tested’ officials in Zanu-PF, can someone not tell them, as happened that:

-Monopolising the press no longer works in Zim, especially with the advent of the internet.
-Bluntly lying to a nation with over 80 percent literacy does not work.
-Buying votes with tractors, cars, buses on the eve of the election did not work in March. This time there is no money.
-Forcing people to attend rallies, all-night meetings, heroes acre like does not work in the polling station.
-Giving un’payslipped’ windfalls to police, army,.. does not work anymore.
-Giving computers to all schools without electricity does not work.
-That you cant win a re-run after losing the first election.
The sooner they see this the better for them as the opposition.
Was Chinamasa a seat in the Senate.

Marxian Tseping on June 15th, 2008 9:45 pm
What is happening in Zimbabwe is a classic case of what happens when a grand noble national plan/national agenda is put in the hands of a small minded, narrow visioned and largely dull man. Had the national agenda been put in capable hands, 28 yrs is a very long time for this young nation to be showcasing real progress in very many sectors of human endeavour - e.g good national governancy, good housing, sustainable food production and use of land resources. Because Robert Mugabe never really understood the aims and objectives of the peoples’ aspirations, his pseudo-revolution is falling down for lack of a firm foundation/basis.I n human terms, in 28 yrs one has completed University education, has a wife/husband, probably blessed with one/two children, owns a house, albeit with an outstanding mortgage. Its easy then to measure the success of an individual basing on these and other social measures. Now, back to Robert Mugabe and his Zimbabwe - can he pick just three achievements on a hand of five fingers, that he can proudly say this we managed to do in the space of 28 yrs during my stewardship of the national ship? It is precisely this - the lack of tangible standing milestones, the lack of a foundation that is bringing down on this illegal regime.The old man is not even ashamed to go to a national shrine and shout at the top of his voice that he will wage war against the people he is leading - such is the narrow-mindedness of Robert Mugabe.

These people are only expressing populist sentiment. Not a single one of them knows what MDC leadership will bring. Morgan Tsvangirai could turn out to be worse than Mugabe and refuse to give up power when his time is up just like Kibaki refused to give up power in Kenya. Change in African politics is not always for the better.

 

[Mzee wa Gumzo]

Infakti Mugabe amefanikiwa kufikisha somo la kisiasa kwa waafrika wenye mawazo kama yake kuwa ni yeye na 'wao' tu walioumbwa kutawala na wala siyo kuongoza.
Awali nilifikiri mzee huyu ana nia njema na Zimbabwe kumbe lilikuwa suala la muda tu.Mugabe ni mbinafsi na mshari.Kwanini yeye tu ZANU-PF na siyo wengine? Ona sasa kashajua matokeo yatakavyokuwa na ameshaiambia dunia hatakubali, ni damu tu itamwagika.Afrika ilikombolewa kwa damu mara moja tu kutoka utumwani, hatuhitaji kumwaga damu tena kwa ulaf wa madaraka.

 

[Jamco_Za]

Kweli nyani haoni kundule, hivi mgogoro wa zimbabwe na zanzibar una tofauti gani, au kwa kuwa mgabe ameamua kuwa mkweli na kuwambia kuwa hawezi kuwa madara wakati zanzibar wanasema kichichini badara ya kusema kweli, mgabe hataki unafiki wa kuita watgu kwenye kura wakati anajua hatawapa madaraka anawambia waende kwenye kura wakati wanajua kuwa haiwezekani hata ka wakishinda kupewa madara, hivyo ni jukumu lao kwenda au kutokwenda.

Nafikiri mgabe ni bora zaidi anayepiga watu wakati anajua anachofanya kuliko zanzibar wanao kamata watu usiku wa manane kisa wamedai kuwa na serikali yao.

 

[Mtafaruku]

There has been too much Mugabe bashing without proper reviewing of some facts about Zimbabwe problems in a big picture.

In my view there is excessive anti-Mugabe new circulations which may not be serving the interest of Zimbabweans and Africans in general.

Read articles in these links
Article 1 : http://cleveland.indymedia.org/news/2008/06/30586.php
Article 2 : http://www.medianewsline.com/news/133/ARTICLE/2502/2008-06-17.html
Article 3 : http://www.talkzimbabwe.com/news/130/ARTICLE/2713/2008-06-17.html
Article 4: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4152337.ece

To some extents there is smell of old British emperial strategies being made new in pushing Mugabe ...the history taught us about "Indirect rule" , "Divide and conquer" etc hopefully this Zimbabwe saga is not part of an old game.

As results of some factors in Article 1, Zimbabwe economy has collapsed and Mugabe has become a monster, African leaders ( e.g Mbeki ) are being pushed denounce other elected African leaders...it is definite when Tsvangirai wins, sanctions will be lifted but it is likely he will cheaply sell out to British/western firms all Industries which have failed to perform. Of course Zimbabweans will be better off without sanctions but they will lost in a long term by selling off their major source of revenue.

It sounds like odd view but we Africans must be careful with what we cheering for. Wakina Carl Peters walitulaghai miaka 200 iliyopita, tukaingia mkenge....na mbaya zaidi waafrika walitumika kufanikisha ukoloni, tukakandamizwa na kunyonywa miaka nenda rudi!

Mugabe may be wrong in some aspects, but we should give him respect and dignity as a hero who fight for Africans and he may have a point on current struggle.