The EDITOR, Sir:THE RECENT gathering of the unholy alliance and the former colonies in Nigeria has ended with greater division and increase in bitterness for the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugababe, by the unholy alliance (Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand) a feeling, equally echoed by him, after he decided to withdraw from the historical community; since they wanted to keep him out.
GLORY DAYS
The crux of what hurts the British, the leader of the unholy alliance, is not that Zimbabweans are suffering; nor Mr. Mugabe's attack recently on the freedom of the Press. No, it is the fact that the land has been taken away from the White farmers in Zimbabwe, most of whom are of British descent, from the "glory days" of the colony once called Rhodesia. Zimbabwe, where up until 2001, according to one source the Zimbabwe population was Black: 99.4%; White: 0.6%; Land White-owned: 70%; Black-owned: 30%.
The British government, if they were really interested, in the sufferings of the Zimbabweans, would have long made better on their promise (to return the land to the Blacks in Zimbabwe) a promise made over 20 years ago. Tony Blair had time and so did his predecessors, Margaret Thatcher and John Major. However it is not too late, and so they can still make better on the promise.
Now Mr. Mugabe, I commend him for trying to empower the Blacks of his country and my continent; but he cannot be building up, while tearing down at the same time. Makes no sense. Well, not as far as I can see.
CORRUPT PROCESS
The way the process was conducted, was very corrupt, and the attack on press freedom is just the old autocratic political structures, some of which disguise themselves today as democratic structures in different societies.
He has been instrumental in leading Zimbabwe over the last 20 years. The leader-for-life mentality does his country, the continent of Africa, or any Black nation, no good. Please 'Tah Tah' Mugabe, take a leaf out of the book of the world's most beloved human, Nelson Mandela, and give up the reins. Give it to the younger vibrant bright minds of Zimbabwe, who can embrace faster, the changes in time.
I am etc.
MORRIS THOMPSON
morristhompson@hotmail.com
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
Via Go-Jamaica
