After what appeared to be a two-day snorefest at the annual G8 Summit in Japan, it was announced the leaders are in favor of seeking harsher sanctions against Zimbabwe’s Mugabe and those closest to him. They are also calling for a UN representative to be involved in any negotiations between political parties, the BBC reports, “making it clear that they do not think Mr Mbeki’s efforts have been adequate.”
This represents a momentous turn around, especially for Russia which said previously it would not support sanctions. Some say stricter sanctions will lead to civil war; others say the “strict” sanctions already in place aren’t doing any good. But one thing is certain: something must be done.
For nearly a decade, Robert Mugabe has blamed the West for the country’s plight and exaggerated hyper-inflation. He has tried — and succeeded — in isolating Zimbabwe from the rest of the world by lambasting Bush, Blair and Brown calling them puppets or telling them to “go hang.” I find it ironic (and frankly quite stupid) that Zimbabwe’s Deputy Information Minister Bright was quoted as saying:
“It is the UK that is pushing for sanctions, but isolating and demonising Zimbabwe is not in the best interests of anyone. They should treat Zimbabwe as a partner rather than an enemy”
It’s almost comical. Sokwanele!
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