General Chat

I wonder what percentage of the vote he'll receive this time? What can the international community do about it?

I've sadly come to the conclusion that the only thing to do with Africa is to leave them to sort out their own problems. Whatever the wrongs of the colonial era, the countries were left with functioning economies and democratic government. Ok, if there is a natural disaster such as drought, flood or earthquake send aid in, but otherwise after more than a generation of independence they've got to embrace civilisation.

Like many, many thousands of other well-meaning folk throughout the world, I stick my hand in my pocket when there's a particularly heart-wrenching appeal for cash, somewhere in the African continent. But I can't help but wonder just how much of my donation actually gets to the poor wretches that need it, and how much goes into the coffers of corrupt African governments, to add to their luxurious lifestyles, or to arm the government-backed armies responsible for the death, destruction and misery of the masses to whom my few pounds was intended. Will still keep on giving regardless, I guess. Brian, ;- ))

I live in hopes that his fellow countrymen will depose him, preferably by the ballot box, although, due to his shenigans and vote rigging, I can't see this happening. Much as I would love to see him go I think the people have to do it and it is not for other Governnents, no matter how well meaning, to interfere. Jean x.

Hi I agree 110% with what's been said. Aileen

I fail to see how the ordinary people, who have been denied access to food, made homeless and beaten by Mugabe's thugs, are in any position to 'sort it out themselves'. Of course, they'd stand a better chance is the Western world wasn't so keen to give money to support the regime - cue Jack Straw grinning and shaking hands with said dictator. There's a big difference between passive disapproval and active support.

Didn't we pay for Mugabe to be educated in England? Now he really hates the British. I have lived in another African country and seen the way aid is wasted, yes wasted. If you offer your help and transfer knowledge to the African, then this is useful, but don't give him money to flit away. Sylvia xxx

a child in africa,dies of hunger related illness,every three seconds. mugabe held a rally this week,those attending were given food....he controls the food,he controls who lives,and who dies.......lets hope he dies soon! bryan.

More 'what will the international community do about it' - seeing as there's no oil at stake. Or is that just me being cynical? There is however, as someone mentioned earlier, a sound argument for leaving other countries, oil rich or otherwise, to deal with their own problems to a very great extent. It's always a thorny issue when calls for international intervention are made and difficult to know when to intervene for the best. Motives of the assisting countries, unfortunately, are always suspect, and use of aid difficult to monitor.