Zimbabwe: let them know they’re not alone
I realize this is a little off the beaten trail here; I also realize it can seem presumptuous to worry about democracy and human rights abuses somewhere far away when we have our own messes to clean up.
Still — this is a picture taken yesterday, showing what Zimbabwean “security” forces are capable of. (I’m sorry.)
Victims of Robert Mugabe’s ‘Operation Mavhoterapapi’
Originally uploaded by Sokwanele - Zimbabwe
There’s plenty more at the “Sokwanele” (”Enough is Enough”) Zimbabwean website if you have the stomach for it — terrible beatings, homes burnt down, a map of election-related criminality that reminds us it can always be much, much, much worse.
As you probably know, there was an election earlier this month that most observers agree was lost by onetime resistance leader and current tinpot dictator Robert Mugabe. Sky News today reports that a review of returns confirms that suspicion. Sad to say, Mugabe’s getting backup from the always disappointing South African president Thabo Mbeke, who claimed there “was no crisis” this weekend, resulting in an inconclusive meeting of regional leaders about the issue.
In the face of repression and an election that’s being stolen, the duly elected Morgan Tsvangirai and his allies are calling for a general strike tomorrow; I think they deserve our support, but by all means go and have a look at Sokwanaele or ACTSA (Action for Southern Africa) and see what you think. If you’re convinced, consider putting up a story about this with a link to Sokwanele and a backtrack if you’re a blogger, or just clicking through and leaving a supportive, friendly comment so they know people are watching out in the rest of the world, and that we’re pulling for them.
Just think: what if worthless, brutal dictators like Mugabe fell via homegrown democracy and resistance, with no other help than from regular people like ourselves? Wouldn’t it be worth a try? Wouldn’t it be worth your try?
(Title via the estimable Nell Lancaster.)
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UPDATE: You can also sign this online petition hosted by Avaaz.org, to be delivered to Mr. Mbeki in New York on Wednesday.
