34 responses to “HAVE YOUR SAY: Can Zimbabwe avoid bloodshed?”

1. brian says:
   08 Apr 2008 19:07:41 GMT

   You cannot get rid of a dictator through the ballot box.

2. Joe says:
   09 Apr 2008 08:27:21 GMT

   Sadly, I don't think they will be able to. I think it'll be a civil war and someone will end Mugabe's rule with a bullet.

3. Paul Gol says:
   09 Apr 2008 08:55:29 GMT

   I believe that the bloodshed can be averted if the African countries step in the way they did in Kenya.Its early enough before things degenerate.The Electral Commission should go ahead and release the results then ZANU-PF can start talking of vote recount.

4. Edith Lewis says:
   09 Apr 2008 10:06:38 GMT

   The opposition MDC should be join up with Simba Makoni and fight against Mugabe. This will make the opposition's position stronger & beneficial to the people of Zimbabwe. The UN & other African organisation have no jurisidication in internal affairs of a ligitimate President & Government. They can only intervene if Mugabe becomes a threat to other countries which is a shame because right now he is a threat to his own people thousands who can't meet basic human needs and some dying of hunger & lack of health care. The soultion is for the police & the military to refuse Mugabe's orders and seek to protect Zimbabwean people and not Mugabe & his party's interests. After all most of them are affected by the economic & social decline of Zimbabwe.

5. Odongo Bernard says:
   09 Apr 2008 10:50:41 GMT

   Zimbabwe can avoid violence if they looser accepts the election results as they are announced other than denouncing the outcome.

   That is what happened in the Kenyan situation where the looser was announced the winner and then hell broke loose.
   Thank you

6. marlene says:
   09 Apr 2008 13:28:21 GMT

   I do not know where Paul Gol got his information from. Kenya is about to have a civil war because kibaki is giving the right to stay in power by the rest of the world, he also rigged the election. It now rainy season there and millions still in camps, cannot get out because government cannot agree. Kibaki did not win the election and is there creating problems. All of African is in one big mess and a lot of suffering for the every day people. Thanks to their rulers, that have all been installed

   U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged Kenya's government and opposition party to agree on the composition of their coalition Cabinet after the two sides suspended talks on power-sharing.Protest returns to Kenya
   Supporters of Kenya's opposition returned to the streets of the capital Nairobi to protest against a deadlock over the establishment of a power-sharing government. Blocking roads, burning barricades and pelting stones, the protesters could be seen chanting "no cabinet, no peace, no Raila, no peace."

7. luzboy says:
   09 Apr 2008 13:30:14 GMT

   hi,the old man can not be displaced just like that,he once stayed in prison so the reason he cant leave the prestigius chair is he,s afraid and scared of prison, guys, during the time in prison, what did he go thru!!!! he is tryin all to win but hey, he has already lost,for them to avoid blood shed,let him do his tricks but no to re-count. guys lets be all democrats, look at how some nations share power, no strugle, peace

8. Rumbidzai Chikowore says:
   09 Apr 2008 13:30:21 GMT

   Our only hope lies with the international community especially South African President Thabo Mbeki overtly or covertly putting real pressure on Mugabe to release the people's results. Otherwise the patience of Zimbabweans will wear out and Mugabe will be removed from power with a bullet in his head, because it seems that is the only language that he will understand. Unfortunately, to get to him a lot of people will die along the way and this is what Zimbabweans are trying to avoid by being quiet. Zimbabweans know how ruthless Mugabe is but we have had just enough.

9. Miriam Mannak says:
   09 Apr 2008 13:30:43 GMT

   Although the ingredients for bloodshed have been presented, it seems that the world is not interested in preventing another African tragedy. It will probably even shake its head in disbelief when the Zimbabwean couldron is boiling over.

   So farm, the only thing the international community has done, is stating how "sorry it is for Zimbabwe" and "how worried it is about the situation".
   That's it, basta. No one has had the guts to stand out and do something to liberate the Zim people form Mugabe's iron claws.
   Meanwhile tension is rising, farmers are being evacuated, MDC-supporters assaulted, journalists thrown in jail, and frustration is growing. And the world, is watching motionless, like it has done before.

10. phillip sibanda says:
    09 Apr 2008 13:31:57 GMT

    I think the following things need to happen quickly: 1.establish a peace keeping force and deploy it in all the major towns, Harare and Bulawayo. 2.Announce the results 3.Negotiate an exit settlement with Mugabe and cronies.No reprisals!Offer retirement packages to his top military henchman and replace them with trusted players in all strategic positions. 4.Establish a government of National Unity that will genuinely rebuild the economy and other structures to enhance international investment. 5.Peace keeping force to exit only after six months to ensure political stability .

11. Neville says:
    09 Apr 2008 15:10:08 GMT

    The only time Mugabe was scared was when his own party guys split and Makoni threatened to have massive support...see the meetings he held and the worried statements his cronies issued...

    Solution for Zimbabwe: Split Zanu PF and finance the moderates - that will force Mugabe to his knees faster than the ballot box full of votes for Tsvangirai. Try it and the results will be out in a few hours. I hope someone takes this to heart

12. Geoff Davies says:
    09 Apr 2008 15:12:07 GMT

    I agree with Paul Gol - Africa, particularly South Africa, needs to do more. Tacit South African support for Mugabe in the past has been shameful.

    It's difficult to call on the African Union as their very limited resources are stretched thin as they are, also it would be presumptive to call them in on what is an internal matter.
    The institutions and judiciary in Zimbabwe needs to know that they have the moral, and more importantly, material support of southern Africa and the West if they call the election for Mugabe. Zuma weighing in today with his call for the results to be released is a step in the right direction.

13. Philipp says:
    09 Apr 2008 15:57:20 GMT

    The African Union would have to publicly exert pressure. This certainly will not happen. So power-sharing might be the only solution as others already suggested. And be sure to involve Makoni!

14. Marcel Sachse says:
    09 Apr 2008 16:31:40 GMT

    In my eyes, the only way to avoid an outbreak of violence is to exert pressure on Mugabe. He has too much power over his own people who fear personal violence against them. Hence, I agree pressure has to come from neighboring countries and the AU. Although this is an internal matter, this conflict can spread across borders in the form of even more refugees.

15. Ozzie says:
    10 Apr 2008 07:25:44 GMT

    Political Analyst M. Mbeki ( brother of the SA President) makes the most sense of anyone commenting on the Zim situation. If African leaders are meeting on Saturday over Zimbabwe under some sort of aid pressure on themselves from the west, as has been suggested, let the west take this slim opening to help and put the financial screws on them to stand up for democracy - test case Zim , then later their own countries!!!!!

16. Glenn Brigaldino says:
    10 Apr 2008 07:28:45 GMT

    Blood has already been shed, as have innumerous tears. Of course one must hope that any massive outburst of civil unrest and violence as recently in Kenya is avoided. But more than hoping is very important that credible African democratic forces impress upon the dictatorship of Mugabe that they need to concerned and let go of their illegitimate hold on power. Obviously South Africa come s to mind, but in my view, it is high time that some of the much-praised regional institutors of Africa take a stand (and indeed earn praise).

    We have all heard of African Union, NEPAD and SADC are other institutional organizations that ought to step up to the plate and urge respect for democracy. In fact, the ACBF (African Capacity Building Foundation), which is even based in Harare, could be a very vocal champion of good governance and accountability. Its’ stated vision is “to be the leading African Institution in a partnership to build sustainable capacity for good governance and poverty reduction in Africa”. If that is really the case, they could take a genuine stand and indicate they are prepared to relocate to another country, should the Mugabe regime continue to make a mockery of democratic ideals, human rights and developmental aspirations for Zimbabwe’s population.
    After all, what good are regional institutions that do little if anything to instill the desire for cooperation and the commitment of it is members to peacefully resolve obstacles to democratic and sustainable development?

17. Joel says:
    10 Apr 2008 08:41:28 GMT

    How to avoid violence? How to change chronic shortages of food and fuel? How can they recover?

    The problem is human nature, perusing power and greed at a great price, corruption, and evil.
    The only way to change a nation is for the people to change and their leaders to change.
    The economic, political, and social problems find there root at the core of their worldview and human nature.
    A leader with a good worldview can help a nation but is not the only answer.
    The best would be a transformation of both the leader’s worldview and the worldviews of all people in the nation. Then the nation as a whole can find answers to these questions.
    What is the best worldview?
    Some say "democratic" views are the best. I do not think the answer is democracy. The answer must be change at a deeper level.
    How do people change from evil to good? Anyone know the answer to this?
    I see evil people. (look around you may see them too)
    NGO Worker in Darfur

18. NeGomo says:
    10 Apr 2008 08:53:19 GMT

    Its possible for Zimbabwe to get out of this criss only if someone knocks sense into the Joint Operation Command (made up of largely the military) which in this case is now making all the decisions. In other words the country is under military rule. I resist to think that Mbeki can do anything. He has already failded several times by adoping the quite diplomacy (do nohing diplomacy) and he told the world that its time to wait, so we should count him our of this completely. I am pretty sure that withing the ruling party they are poeple who feel they should be change and even advised the man to stand down. I am also sure that if the MDC engages with everyone in the country, inclduing assuring the army that they will not be punished by the new government and try to convince them that whatever is happening its in the interest of the country. I dont see how SADC, AU etc can change the situation because these guys have been given a chance and they have failed. Zimbabwe needs a new start and that new start does not only lie with the MDC alone but its a collective effort from everyone including ZANU (PF) and it will be detrimental to think that they will do it alone. Efforts should be made to get the two talking after all they all dont own Zimbabwe. Tsvangirayi should prepare a nice package for ZANU (PF) which guarantees them safety in the post-Mugabe era. Remember most of these fought in war and they have the war mentality within which is why they will never torrerate any nonsense from anyone who threats their conform zones.

    For now USA, Britain and EU must just stay away lest its branded a war against colonialists. I think dialogue is the best way forward and I think Koffi Annan should pack his bags and come down to Zimbabwe that is he confident of earning respect from Mugabe.

19. Ana says:
    10 Apr 2008 12:03:52 GMT

    To Reuters AlertNet team:

    “HAVE YOUR SAY: Can Zimbabwe avoid bloodshed?”
    ¿Have Your Say? People are going to kill each other or not? Do you think this is an ethical question to do?
    Please, management team of Reuters AlertNet, take this questionnaire from the web.
    You are doing a very good information service do not loss your ethical criteria.
    I think the main question is: Is Zimbabwe going to win something with this morbid opinion poll?
    Information is not gossiping.
    Please inform and make action in order to help Zimbabwean population. They already had to much.

20. AlertNet editors says:
    10 Apr 2008 12:33:09 GMT

    Ana, Thanks for your thoughtful comment. We appreciate your concern, but we're simply asking readers to engage with a question raised by the opposition, neighbouring countries and the rest of the international community. What we want to do is invite our readers - well-informed, thoughtful observers in Africa and around the world - to contribute their analysis at this historic moment. Editors

21. mukiwa says:
    10 Apr 2008 12:41:41 GMT

    A favoured method of torture practised by the Zanu regime against those who stand up to be counted is falanga - beating a person on the soles of their feet, until they can only crawl. The assault with electric cables then start. This is 2008, and the world only watches with baited breath. Shame on SADC, shame on the AU, shame on South Africa and their quiet diplomacy. Perhaps it is time to remember that those who live by the sword must die by the sword. Cry my beloved country.

22. Tony says:
    10 Apr 2008 21:22:24 GMT

    Did not Mugabe dissolve parliament before elections ? If so why are most news channels still referring to him and his band of murdering thieves as 'president,' 'minister of (dis)information' etc, they should be referred to by name only, you are helping with their view they are still in power.

23. marlene says:
    11 Apr 2008 16:08:06 GMT

    While the world's attention is focused further south, on Zimbabwe, the threat of more bloodshed in Kenya remains real, the two leaders are made to share power and it will not work. If South Africa cannot help Kenya, i do not know how they are expected to help any other country in Africa.

24. Cock Frier says:
    11 Apr 2008 17:11:03 GMT

    Mugabe misread the electorates' feeling and quest for second freedom from brother oppressing brother. If he wanted to avoid shame to himself and his crooks inadvance, he should have put Plan B which he should acting on now to avoid crash landing. Let him be reminded that Ian Smith was adamant that there will be no black(majority)in the then Rhodesia but through persistence with masses' support,Zimbabweans freed themselves from the white regime. By the same token, Zimbabweans will free themselves from the zvimba regime. He should step down to avoid blood shedding. Please go peacefully without pushing people to the walls/extremes.

25. Fiona says:
    12 Apr 2008 10:58:41 GMT

    The situation in Zimbabwe is being presented with surprise by the UK media, ‘how could Mugabe do this under the watchful eye of the world’s media?’ most delay newspapers enquire with article after article on the situation. However, in the immediate aftermath of the Zimbabwean election, the British media dictated that Mugabe must choose one of two options: stand down having had talks with other officials in Zimbabwe or resort to the violent tactics that he is well known for. What the British media has not widely accepted is that it plays an influential part in what happens within Zimbabwe.

    Every day I was in Harare the papers were full of anti-British rhetoric. If there is a discussion in the House of Commons about what to do with Zimbabwe the next day the Herald (Zimbabwe’s only daily newspaper) publishes a story about the British plotting regime change. This morning I talked to former colleagues and friends in Zimbabwe who are angry, but not with Mugabe, his actions are predictable, but the media that is covering the situation in Zimbabwe as if there is a new crisis causing pain and suffering in the county. Life goes on, Zimbabwe keep on going. These were some of the words used in an email a close friend sent me.
    Prior to the elections I attended meetings where the “Kenya scenario” was discussed again and again. Ask a Zimbabwean if there will be widespread violence and the answer is always no. People are frustrated, yes. People are tired of having to structure their lives around finding basic resources. yes. But the independence war and the Matabeleland massacres are too fresh in many people’s minds for violence to seem a viable option. So while International organisations were coordinating mock evacuations many Zimbabweans reacted with disbelief of such paranoia. The determination of “Bob” or “The Old Man” to stay in power is seen as too great for the masses in Zimbabwe to counter. And what would they be stopping his presidency for?
    Friends in Zimbabwe joked that Simba Makoni would be the best option, because at least there would be a president with a handsome face and a decent sense of style. When I left Zimbabwe three weeks before the elections, Makoni hadn’t detailed any substantial policies. Indeed his policy was that he would de-seat Mugabe and that that would be enough. Morgan Tsvangaria, or the “Cowboy” as many call him due to his interesting taste in hats, is also not seen by many educated Zimbabweans as a promise of a prosperous future. Little is being said of the internal power struggle within the MDC that led to two factions standing in the same election. Surely, the good of Zimbabwe would have been to unite those votes through compromise in talks before the elections. Indeed, Tsvangaria also openly stated that support voiced by Britain for Makoni made him a toy of the colonials. Doesn’t this sound a little too familiar to be overjoyed about?

26. R A Myers says:
    12 Apr 2008 11:00:41 GMT

    How can something that has already happened (bloodshed in the form of injuries and deaths) be avoided?

27. Stan says:
    12 Apr 2008 21:18:22 GMT

    I think it's a bit late now to be talking about bloodshed since the blood of Zimbabweans has been spilling since before the 2000 and 2002 masacres. If some other form of intervention is implemented further bloodshed may be stopped, but whilst we are being urged to be patient and the world is "watching vigilantly", Zimbabweans blood will continue to be spilt. It's time for a different approach to be taken to stop one man (Mr Mugabe) All the tribes of Zimbabwe are suffering equally under the ZANU-PF regime, this is not a civil war between massive tribes, this is a war against one man who has for the last 29 years abused his position and put those under him in such a possition that they cannot openly speak out against him and in many cases can no longer afford for this government not to be in power as both their interests and crimes are protected by it.

28. Tony says:
    12 Apr 2008 21:19:26 GMT

    Zimbabwe cannot avoid something it has lived with since tribes of people from central, east and West Africa, from north and South Africa, through colonialism and the 28 year old lie of liberation. All there's been all these decades is talk, nothing but talk. Everyone around Zimbabwe has really settled into the whole "lets be patient, wait and see" mentality.

    In the current situation, Mr Mugabe (our current oppressor) is relishing this attitude towards our country and will do whatever is within his power (and not many things aren't) to maintain the suffering of our people as long as he stays in power. Besides, what's he got to lose from killing the country and everyone in it, his life?? I'll bet he'd be quite happy to take a bullet than see the Zimbabwe change from what he's made of it.... the only piece of heaven he'll ever know.

29. marsh says:
    13 Apr 2008 10:05:30 GMT

    zimbabweans are by far an educated people to fall in a trap of having to to go for a violent way of resolving this simple problem.everyone knows that politicians are pretenders,they feign to get their way into power,so it's not different with tsvangirai.old people like desmond tutu of south africa are very dangerous people when it comes to commenting on political issues,people should never give an ear to them.i've seen the slumps of soweto,lusaka especially is the most appauling of all in southern africa.mwanawasa,should solve the problems facing his own people first,he's not one to give advice on zimbabwe let alone sadc.

30. Ngumba says:
    13 Apr 2008 21:55:19 GMT

    How many times will a populace put a "hero" or war mongerer, military man or a person who is not educated enough to run a country in power and then live to regret it?

    Would you ask a car mechanic to do microsurgery on your body, or employ a 2 year old child to design a complicated electronic switchboard?
    Would you employ a violent 14 year old teenager as the school principle?
    If not, why would anyone take leave of their senses and vote in a war-leader, well versed in psychopathic style control (like most political 3rd world military leaders), to take charge of an economically sensitive thing like a country?
    I just don't understand how people think! Why set up a country up for instant failure? What are voters thinking?

31. Glenton Downs says:
    13 Apr 2008 21:56:45 GMT

    Robert Mugabe is a senile old man who has not been in charge in Zimbabwe for a long time. The Zimbabwe JOC (Joint Operations Command) is the effective ruling Junta. These people cannot be removed by the ballot box - You cannot expect The military to enforce their own demise.

    They face the strong possibility of prosecution by a new government for their crimes against humanity perpetrated at the Gukhrahandi and elsewhere. The time to intervene was then, back in the 1980's, but the world turned a blind eye and it is too late now.
    I have always thought that Thabo Mbeki was a clever man, but his latest posturings suggest that he is either very stupid or up to his neck in cahoots with the ZANU PF criminals. Mbeki is ending his term in disgrace and his position on Zimbabwe is not making things any better. Jacob Zuma and the COSATU / SACP components of the alliance have already denounced Mugabe. Any one with half a brain can see what is going on.

32. mahimbo says:
    13 Apr 2008 22:20:05 GMT

    Why Mugabe do not learn from others experience? Mandela had rotted in prison for 24 good years for the his people but that was not to make him life president and happily stepped down. Other first presidents in the the regions stepped down to give way to others, people like Kaunda accepted defeat, Chissano respected the constituition, Massere of Bowastna, Julius Nyerere of Tanazania. Why Mugabe be exceptional? Is he a Twin brother of Kamuzu Banda and Moboutu Sesseseko? I am afraid there will be avery terrible bloodshed in Zimbabwe if Mugabe remained solid. It is the poor low class Zimmbabwean who going to suffer most. Please do something to avoid the bloodshed.

33. douglas says:
    14 Apr 2008 12:21:12 GMT

    Those who are and have been waiting for bloodshed will be disappointed.Zimbabweans are intelligent enough to decipher that some sponsored authorities,particulary the western press want brothers to turn against each other so that their so called predictions would come true.Peace and prosperity shall reign.Look closely into the crystal ball,God loves Zimbabwe

34. Felix Oti says:
    14 Apr 2008 18:01:32 GMT

    If there is going to be bloodshed in Zimbabwe, it will be one-sided, with MDC supporters bearing the brunt.

    It is very unfortunate that a once-promising African nation, in the ranks of Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique -all having gone through the liberation process-have been run to the ground by one of its own, while several African "leaders" stand by and wring their hands.
    Whatever happens in Zimbabwe next should be blamed on those who, knowing that they could, elected to do nothing, including Zimbabweans themselves.

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