Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 18 August 2005 — Page 15

The Muncie Times • August 18, 2005 • Page 15

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE

Mugabe’s policies ruin a once promising Zimbabwe

Nearly three quarters of a million people in Zimbabwe have been rendered homeless as the government has destroyed their small shanties and business in a program which the government has named “Operation Restore Order,” but which the people are calling Operation Tsunami. By whatever name, this action by the Zimbabwe government of President Robert Mugabe has been condemned by the United Nations in a recent report, which has also demanded that compensation be paid to the victims. It is winter in Zimbabwe, which means that thousands of families are left without homes, to shiver in tents. In many instances, not only were homes destroyed, but so were the markets and small businesses which support many families. Moreover, the nation is facing a food shortage and oil is not readi-

ly available to most Zimbabweans. Operation Restore Order is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Mugabe administration which are leading much of the world out side Africa to turn its back on this government. Other actions include the re-distribu-tion of much of the country’s farmland, which Mugage attributed to the need to end the last vestiges of colonialism. But it has meant that much of the farmland, which had been able to produce food for the nation, is now unable to do. In addition, the status of the last national election, held in March, is questionable, with many outside observers raising concerns about the fairness and openness of the election. Mugabe’s political opponents have long charged that their opposition has resulted in the harassment, beatings and arrest of their

leaders. In addition, many journalists have been imprisoned or forced to leave the country. The U.N. report, written by Dr. Anna Tibaijuka, the highest ranking African woman at the United Nations, called these latest actions, under Operation Restore Order, a “humanitarian crisis of immense proportions” which leaves Zimbabwe in a “virtual state of emergency.” Yet, leaders of African nations seem unable or unwilling to speak out against Mugabe’s actions, calling it an “internal matter.” Perhaps the biggest tragedy of the Zimbabwe debacle is that Robert Mugabe was a much respected liberation movement leader, reared in much of Africa and often named with Nelson Mandela. His courage and wisdom guided those fighting the apartheid government

Bernice Powell Jackson

of Rhodesia and led them into the new nation of Zimbabwe. I remember when many African Americans were buying land and homes in the newly-freed Zimbabwe, inspired by Mugabe and his beautiful land. Today the economy and the nation of Zimbabwe are in a shambles. The bulldozing of tens of thousands of homes of the poorest of the poor is one more testimony to Mugabe’s zealotry and his willingness to do anything to remain in power. It’s a sad commentary. Meanwhile, the people of Zimbabwe wait

for the world to intervene in the madness.

They are hungry for food and hungry for justice. Now, many of them are also homeless. Tragically, many are also becoming hopeless while they wait. Bernice Powell Jackson is executive minister of the United Church of Christ’s Justice & Witness Ministries. You can reach her at 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44151110 or by calling 216-736-3700

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