The African Union took far too long to criticize Zimbabwe’s crackdown on anti-government protesters.
But now that it has, Zimbabwe’s neighbors need to register strong opposition, not the tepid response they’ve shown so far. The United States, Britain and the United Nations have called on Zimbabwe to respect human rights.
Growing economic hardship in Zimbabwe has led to street demonstrations despite a ban on protests by President Robert Mugabe’s government. Police shot to death one activist recently and beat, arrested and jailed dozens of others. According to the group Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the jailed demonstrators have been denied access to attorneys.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was assaulted when police broke up a prayer meeting.
Zimbabwe’s economy appears to be on the verge of collapse. The inflation rate is hovering at around 1,700 percent. The majority of people lack jobs. There are shortages of basics such as bread, cooking oil and gasoline. The state health service has virtually collapsed as doctors and nurses have gone on strike. Many people are fleeing the country to escape starvation or worse, and that’s a problem the AU probably doesn’t want to exacerbate by taking a strong stand against the Zimbabwean government.
It is believed that 2 million to 3 million residents already have migrated to South Africa, creating problems and straining that country’s economic system. South African President Thabo Mbeki has said little about the violence in Zimbabwe, waging instead what has been described as “quiet diplomacy.”
Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s ruler since 1980 when he led the struggle to free his country from white rule, has become increasingly autocratic, denying political freedoms. The leader, who was once supported by the West, is now 83 years old and has indicated he intends to be president for life.
Some observers say Mugabe may be paving the way for elections next year by cracking down on opposition groups, trying to bring them in line. Whatever the reason, Zimbabwe’s neighbors, including Mbeki, need to step up to the plate and, along with outside governments, increase pressure and let Mugabe know that his actions are unacceptable.
Perhaps a travel ban and asset freezes on Mugabe and his associates might be an effective place to start.
