President Mwanawasa said he is glad that South Africa and Mozambique have refused to offload firearms from China which were ordered by neighbouring Zimbabwe.
President Mwanawasa was speaking at Lusaka International Airport today when he arrived from Mauritius where he was attending the SADC Heads of State Summit on poverty.
He noted that there was no need to escalate the conflicts being experienced in Zimbabwe use of firearms, saying dialogue was the only solution.
He said the issue of Zimbabwe was being well handled by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not announced the March 29, 2008 elections results, causing anxiety, suspicion and concern among Zimbabweans, regional bodies and other countries around the world.
And President Levy Mwanawasa has described as highly irresponsible, the statement by Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Lusaka Province Chairman Geoffrey Chuumbwe who suggested that Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe, should be forced out of power.
President Mwanawasa said the statement has an effect on the relation between Zambia and Zimbabwe but hoped that the leadership and people of Zimbabwe would understand Mr. Chuumbwe had not authority to say that.
He said Mr. Chuumbwe could not have any authority to speak on behalf of the party or government and therefore, his statement asking concerned authorities to remove Mr. Mugabe by force were irresponsible.
Dr. Mwanawasa noted that Mr. Chuumbwe was neither party spokesperson nor government spokesperson but a junior person in the hierarchy of the ruling party.
He said he felt embarrassed when he received news about Mr. Chuumbwe’s statement, adding that the statement has strongly been condemned by the ruling party.
I commend President LPM for his courage and stand against the evil being perpetrated by Mugabe and his regime. When I learned and watched the Chinese ship docked at the SA port ladden with arms, I shuddered. What does Mugabe and his henchmen think they are to continue commiting atrocities against Zimbabwean people with impunity. We as many leaders in the SADC region like LPM who can express their concerns without fear or favor. t is not surprising that China is shipping arms to Mugabe at the time of the crisis. China wants to add to the ongoing mayhem in Zimbabwe because China is also commiting atrocoties against Tibetans. Zimbabwe and China are “Birds of the same feathers”.
Ba LPM, Chuumbwe did not find himself at the airport as an individual, but in his capacity as MMD Lusaka province chairman. Therefore, what ever he said or revealled, had the blessing of the entire party. If Chimuumbwes’ statement was not the standing of the party, then lets see Chuumbwe face the disciplinary committee. Meantime, he should be suspended. If innocent people like madam Moonga, who spoke for the people faced instant suspensions, whats so special with Chuumbwe or indeed the dear nephew Shaka screw? LPM, prove people wrong. Chuumbwes’ statement has not only embarrased MMD, but exposed the type of leaders we have in Zed.
LPM, fire Chuumbwe like Chitala. He was there as a senior party official in MMD.
Let peace prevail in zimbabwe.GOD LOVES AFRICA
While I commend President LPM on his vis-a vis the repugnant crisis orchestrated by Mugabe and his cronies, I would like to see how effectively he will address Chuumbwe’s overt remarks about toppling Mugabe. I believe every fair minded Zambian is waiting in anticipation to see whether LPM will act swiftly and drop Chuumbwe. Although Chuumbwe has expressed the kind of sentiment every person is consciously thinking about, his position does not permit him to do so. The leadership has to appreciate the fact thet precedence was set when Mbita Chitala was unceremoniously dropped recently and so was Mrs Moonga disciplined. What is need in Zambia is a just society governed by fairness.
Thats the problem of electing or is it appointing cadres to leadership positions. they simply cant differentiate between boot licking and international relations. That MMD lusaka province leader erred and therefore he must face the ‘axe.’
Pres. LPM has so far shown good leadership on the Zimbabwe issue
Levy is as useless as a used condom. Why not fire Chuumbwe like he did to Chitala? Levy is so incapable of leadership that the nation has had a vacancy in statehouse since 2001. Finally why does Levy think that all Zambians are so stupid as to have forgotten that he benefitted from rigging elections, the same evil that he has been accusing Mugabe of doing? When is Levy going to call a spade, a spade?
#7.Your language is dispeakable.What is your fascination with condoms that you can’nt make as sensible statement of without recourse to insult,ridicile or due respect to the Head of state.Your prejudice has blinded you to reality:I do not agree with you that the nation has had a vacancy in state house since 2001 whatever you mean by that.I am convinced that Levy has provided sound leadership and continues to do so as in the case of Zimbabwe both as SADC chairholder and president of the Republic of Zambia.Chuumbwe is not in the same position as Chitala: Chitala was Ambassador whereas Chuumbwe is merely a party official albeit ruling party. H.E has condemned Chuumbwes’ statement unequivocally.
Is Chuumbwe related to Levy? Well I hope not, because that will be more ammunition for Ms Moonga to use when she appears on that MMD disciplinary hearing. Chitala was fired for saying a similar thing despite the fact that he even put in a disclaimer in his article. This Chuumbwe didn’t even put a disclaimer in what he said and should really be fired right away if this is a party of LAWS led by one of the best lawyers in the country
#8 What is your take on Ms Moonga situation Vs Chuumbwe? Can you tell us the reasoning. You sound like an MMD party insider with data most of us dont have. Yes, I denounce #7 too for inappropriate use of words
Levy has the courage to speak out and state his opinion where other Southern African leaders have failed. His voice however needs to be backed up ny other progressives in the region such Ian Khama and Kikwete whom i know are not too pleased with what is going on in Zimbabwe. Chumbwe is right, that is one option that musty be considered. If democracy has failed, what other options are there ?
#7 Mind your language. We cannot allow you to insult our head of state like that. You need to respect the President. President Mwanawasa is doing all he can within his jurisdiction to bring sanity to Zimbabwe and you there talking irrelevant things. He made a welcome statement concerning the refusal by SA and Moz. to deliver the firearms to Zim, which most African leaders cannot do, and you are there insulting my President iwe kolwe. Are you an agent of the devil swine? Get a life.
#10.With due respect, my inference is that the Chuumbwe and Moonga issues are not on all fours of each other and are therefore be clearly distinguishable.
Some people here seem more offended by #7’s comments than Levy himself, why? These are just unintelligent party cadres, the same scum of the world that’s crying for Moonga’s blood. One would also liken them to Mugabe’s infamous mouth piece Chimanase and his UN side kick, Chidyausiku.
As for the stance Levy has taken on the weapons China wants to Santa Klaus Mugabe with to butcher Zimbabweans, I commend him. He has on this sad crises shown courage and leadership.
#7 Show respect to ur presidency if you are zambian.
#14 Its the use of words like “useless like a used condom” , do u get it.Lets be sensible enough and discuss as matured pipo here, not school lumpenism mentality.
#14.Wakamba anso wakambulula! Ulibe nkani?
While I commend LPM for calling for a SADC meeting to resolve the Zim impasse (albeit without any success), l think that unless there is a tangible solution that he and SADC can offer, he (LPM) should shut the hell up. I don’t see how what he is doing is any different from what Chuumbwe did because he (LPM) is also not following SADC protocol in his continued quest to entertain the media with his thoughts on Zim. Rather than dance to the tune of the media who are hungry for any comment on Zim, he should go behind the scene and engage his SADC colleagues in finding a solution for Zim. I’m sure other SADC presidents feel the same about Zim, but we don’t see then making a public spectacle!
****I’m sure other SADC presidents feel the same about Zim, but we don’t see THEM making a public spectacle of themselves everyday just for the sake of being quoted by BBC
I listened to Chuumbwe’s interview on Radio Phoenix and he categorically stated that what he said was his personal view and that is why LPM cant and will not displine him. The least LPM can do is rebuke him.
Sarah , LPM is the chairman of SADC, so he can make any announcements he deems fit. It is a pity in the SADC region only Botswana and Zambia seem to be standing out the rest are all comrades so the scope of thinking is backwards.
#18.Between LPM and you:who needs to shut the ‘ell up? Save us you gases!
Tboz, Im aware that LPM is the SADC chair, but I think he will continue heating empty drums if his sentiments are not seen as the general SADC voice. Specifically, SADC appointed Mbeki as the Zim mediator, if LPM and friends dont think Mbeki doing a good job, they’ll be doing us all a lot of favour by replacing him with someone else who has more to offer. As it is, SADC is starting to looking like a ridiculously toothless organisation becoz there dont seem to be speaking with one voice. It is not about who is going to speak the loudest or the wisest, its about finding a solution for the people of Zim. Merely passing comment at every available opportunity will not lead to the solution.
#22, Im tempted to respond to you statement but I will not sink that low, so I’ll stick to the topic at hand. What was your contribution to the topic again??
then why you are afraid to show my comment?
#22 are you just a fan of LPM or a real analyst. Get real. The president is a dreamer.
Lets not underestimate Mbeki’s influence in the SADC.LPM might want to come hard on zim, but if that does not impress mbeki, I can assure u LPM will back down.Mbeki’s approach is to protect one african comrade of his, no matter what.Mbeki seems to convince anyone who comes his way no matter what the results to his methods are.If not checked SADC will be a laughing stock of the world soon.LPM to be effective should sideline Mbeki now and now, escalate the zim issue to AU, so that we can get more support from anti-mbekinites like Wade, etc, etc.
We like sexual deversity, leave sarah alone just because she is of a different sexual type does not mean she is a threat. Don’t be alarmed is some one is of different sex. Even though they were made by sexual intercouse of man and woman, they are same human though they can can have different sex organ they are still same. The sex organ does not determin intelligence.
so even if you see an nice woman with nice chest and nice backside, she is same like you despite having different sex organ. we can debate this sex organ topic all day if you want but this is not the time or place. single pipos like me are very sensitive to the issue. especially when we are studing in a overseas country no wife.
Let us learn to commend and critcise depending on how issues are handled. On this one,LPM is right and no normal human being would want to see a country like Zim prunge in to war. Let heads of other SADC nation condemn the move and send a signal to China that we are not interested in useless wars for the sake of the greedy leaders. How much do you want Mbeki to speak out that he does not suport violence when it is the same man LPM is commending for refusing the ship to dock in his country? Don’t they say action speaks louder than words?
On Moonga vs Chuumbwe, who commited the worst offence?Moonga’s comments were genuine and there is evidence for all to see.The later went beyond the party
#24.My apologies. I think I came in too hard. But the issue is that you would’nt expect the Chairperson of SADC to stay mum in the face of a bubbling crisis on our borders. As chair he invited Robert to brief SADC on the happenings there post election and help table the way forward.You know the outcome.Then a ship with arms docks in South Africa destined for Zim.If Mbeki were not under the spotlight would the ship and its load have left South Africa?The point is:Levy has made a call to SADC and indications are SADC will support this call.In terms of international rel’ns our point has been made clear.
Guys let us not forget that Levy and CO. also rigged the elections just like Mugabe, Kibaki and a good number of african fake leaders like levy. Ba levy is trying to use this issue to gain popularity with the west. Maybe Botswana in SADC can talk about free and fair elections not levy no wonder no body is listening to him. If he was not SADC chairman he wouldn’t even be given airtime by ZNBC which he controls, that’s how useless he is on the zim issue. Levy is a trailor!
# 23 sarah i share yo views.SADC will soon be irrelevant & a laughing stock.
Mbeki cant mediate the Zim issue when he is claiming there is no crisis then what the hell is he mediating.
This Zim issue is taking alot of our time
Good move LPM.credit is given wher due.keep u and Mugabe should go by force.
Mugabe needs to be told in no uncertain terms that his method of holding on to power is not for these times. It is quite refreshing that SADC is now chaired by someone like Levy who has the guts to speak his mind.If Ian Khama, and kiwkete could also be brave enough to state their opinions publicly, the whole landscape in Zimbabwe can begin to change. Our Zimbabwean neighbours need help and this can only come from leaders who are willing to call a spade a spade. If Mugabe proceeds to hold on to power with the help of the Military, armed response is the only option for MDC – The Chumbwe way. It has after all worked in Kenya.
Dialogue is the best way as when it comes to war, an ordinary person is the one who suffers. It is like the situation is bigger than the SADC as there is the conflict of interest between the east(china and Mugabe)and the west(Morgan)in this issue.These block are all trying to who the support of the SADC leaders and this is when we’ll see their integrity. Look at the broader picture and let us all condemn war at all cost.Think of the innocent child who will have to become a refugee instead of enjoying the internet just like you
Calm is needed before we write comments fellow Zambians and bloggers. I have read a lot of displeasing words on my President – of the Republic of Zambia -from various individuals.
Shall we all please avoid words which show a negative picture of the mental stand of a Zambian, please. Zambians have been known as good or sensible people for some time now and I think the remarks I have read in this topic on our President might have a retrogressive impact on the TOURISM INDUSTRY.
Let us all know that alot of people are reading our posts on here. Please! somenone taught me “think before you ink” when I was in secondary school. Let normalcy prevail on here.
I am prompted to make mention that I don’t agree with the way our President LPM assumed power in Zambia. I for one thought that he was going to resign and let a normal election process be carried out. However, his decision to stay on may have been the best for Zambia since we have seen a change in the way our government is working now although I don’t support this move too.
Whatever the case, President Mwanawasa is our incumbent one and so it is highly immoral for us (Zambians) to use insulting wors and phrases on him.
I will summary my post by indicating that I am not an MMD cadre or sympathiser. However, I am a Zambian and I feel credit, or is it distinction, is due where it is desired.
My humble appeal to LT is that we are fed up of people like NO 7 who can insult the head of state with impunity. Can something be done otherwise it is discouraging some people to continue making meaningful comments devoid of insults on this facility.
LT well done for allowing freedom of expression. Some people here only want to read praises of thier master levy the election rigger. If the comments on this blog affects tourism then the mmd admin. should have thought about the effects of rigging elections before rigging but instead they only thought about themselves. When MMD was rigging elections, did you ever hear Mugabe say anything? NO. Lets’s call a spade by its real name, a spade. Mugabe should have been the SADC chairman during this time.
You have my support #38.
It has been noticed that, Presidents in central africa, who took over from colonial rule, have all wished to be presidents for life. Just look at this record; zed-kk, zaire-mobutu,malawi-kamuzu banda, and now its zim-mugabe. A record has also shown that, such people shall do all they can to cling to power no matter what may. Am sure this should be a wake up call for both sadc and the zims. Tsivagerai was right when he said, mugabe will not easily give away power.I remember ba sata once said, mugabe is like mobutu who takes presidency for life. He will do all he can to cling to power even when war is the solution. So LPM, be careful with people like Mbeki as you handle zim crisis.He seems dou
LT is doing a good job by letting freedom of expression flow.
indeed the reason why LPM is not being taken seriously by his mates is because he also rigged the elections. Mbeki also tried to fool the South Africans
I can confidently tell you that Mbeki right now in unpopular amongst the ANC and he is increasingly being isolated. I am not surprised he is upporting MAD BOB as he, Mbeki also wanted a third term. The only good thing about SA is that the people are more powerful than the head of state. President Mwanawasa should be commended for taking an uncomprimising stance against this Dictator.
Why should it be an issue releasing election results? I can tell if Mugabe had won the elections, the results would have been released just after counting. Why should somebody buy weapons and firearms just after losing elections? Is there an armed rebel group in Zim? No although we know that these arms will be used against unarmed innocent people who are demading a regime change. The Zim issue is no longer only for Zim, its an international issue as it is affecting other countries as well in terms of Zim refugees are flocking these countries. So support those leaders who are speaking hard on Zim.
# 28, point of order! You are blogging on the wrong site. That is not the topic under discussion.
#44, I think we all support the need to find a permanent solution for Zim. Some of us just disagree with the manner that presidents like LPM are going about this. We all know how hard-headed Mugabe is. If he ends up lumping LPM and Zambia in the same grouping as Gordon Brown and UK, then LPM will never be part of the solution for Zim because Mugabe will never listen to him or any his solutions. So rather than make haphazard comments to every journalist who cares to ask about Zim, how about for once saying “no comment” and then working behind closed doors to try and come up with a practical solution. Even though the Zim situation is very dire, a bit of diplomacy still needs to be observed. An
Freedom of expression does not mean getting emotional to the extent of hurling unprintables to others. On the contrary it entails meaningful expressions and with due appreciation and respect of the dissenting view(s).So debate using your head and not your heart.
CONTD from #46…And more importantly, it is deeds not words that will solve the Zim problems. Let SADC appoint one spokesperson so that we don’t end up having to listen to the sentiments of every SADC president because that in itself is also a problem. The people of Zim could do with some semblance of solutions at this point in time. Not empty rhetoric
Someone said, “we will not remember the words of our enemies, bit the silence of our friends.” I thus feel President Mwanawasa is on the right track.
As for the arms from China to Zimbabwe, does anyone know how long it takes to ship material from south China sea to Durban, South Africa? If it takes 20 days, then surely there is something wrong with the arms order – we could term timely order to inflict pain on the innocent people. If it takes more than 3months or somehwere there, then we must look at the Zimbabwe arms order in its rightful standpoint – security of the Zim. nation and country borders.
The qoute in #49 should read “In the end we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
calmness fellow Zedians!
Sarah #46, quuiet diplomacy has not worked on Zimbabwe and therein lies the problem. Views of well meaning SADC Presidents are being stiffled because of the idea of having one spokesperson and collective responsibility. I think it is now time to break ranks and express your country’s point of view irrespective of what other positions are. We should state what the Zambian feeling is about this situation other than being drowned in the “no crisis” approach, at least Levy is taking the approach that i feel is right and representative of how i feel. If others like Kikwete, Khama and probably Mutharika came on board, Mugabe will eventually crack and SADC will have earned some respect.
Sarah, i normally am in agreement with you but i beg to differ on this one.Levy has demonstrated courage and maturity on Zim and his voice as SADC chairman is important on this issue. Mbeki’s silent approach to Zim has been humstrung by an internal divergence in his country because South Africa’s official opposition (DP) and others have criticized him openly over his kid’s gloves approach to Mugabe and he seems to be bent on staying this course so that he can prove them wrong or simply defy their calls for a tougher stance. Enter Jacob Zuma, current leader of the ANC and he is saying exactly what Levy is saying.So i dont think Levy is pundering to the media, history will jundge those who
contd..
failed to speak out.Short of a military intervention or blockade of Zim which would hurt the very people meant to be helped, everybody else can just voice out and do their bit like refusing to accept Mugabe’s arms shipment unless you have a practical solution that nobody has thought about?
Sarah, why are you so quick to class LPM’s comments as a show for the media? Why are you been deliberately naive enough to think Mbeki’s quiet diplomacy works or even exists? You assume Mbeki has any influence on Bob, when the contrary is apparent. LPM’s approach upon this whole issue has been the best. It’s a pity he’s alone. Whether BBC quotes him or not, Mugabe is preparing for war against his own people. Angola once threatened a millitary attack on Zed after those staged bombings in LSK. Mandela unreservedly condermned and publicly condermned that, and bloodshed was averted. Just a word of condermnation from Mbeki can make Bob powerless, not this quiet nosense you’re talking about.
Please let us use this blogg site positivly for developing our nation and Africa.From the quality of contributions on this blogg we have many wise and learned people.Please do not insult our President as it demeans the good character of our fellow Zambians.Levy is a good President as he has taken a POSITIVE stand and needs support from fellow leaders.Real Democracy is the only hope for Africa or else like the RED INDIANS, we will perish. God bless.
Sorry for the mix up of words in my #54 post, but the point I’m trying to put across is the people of Zim need a powerful voice to speak for them. LPM is trying to offer them that but he’s so alone and not powerful enough. He’s certainly not doing it for BBC or CNN. Mbeki’s voice would send serious waves in Bob’s world. He’s so nerved right now coz he has Mbeki, presido of Africa’s most advanced country both economically and millitarily, and Angola, Africa’s fourth largest economy and army….all these giants against the poor women and children of Zimbabwe. Please realise that whether UK or US existed or not Mugabe pauses a gender to the ordinary citizen in Zim, and needs to be curtailed.
‘gender = danger’…apologies, consequences of using a french keyboard.
Having carefully read all the comments I am convinced Chuumbwe has spoken the unpalatable truth.Mugabe is no longer a freedom fighter.He is an oppressor of his own people and much like Ian Smith doen not give a hoot about what the world says and is going unilateral.Zimbabwe is calling for a new brand of freedom fighters to root out the demon drunk with power in the form of Mugabe sitting in Harare.This time around no guns but voices even though Gabe is ready to sink with the ship going by his behavior;buying arms for a starving population.
#52 & 54, I beg to state my comments on LPM’s comments are not in comparison with Mbeki’s quiet diplomacy. If truth be told, I think both Mbeki and LPM’s approaches are wrong; one is doing literally nothing about the problem all in the name of quiet diplomacy while the other is singing about the problem at every opportunity. Both are unhelpful. Rather than sit and do nothing or worse condemn at every opportunity, why not address this issue behind closed doors? I think that is what would ultimately be helpful. As chair of SADC, LPM can do a lot more than just talk about the Zim problem at impromptu gatherings (which is equal to misplaced energy. Im sure he can do more to address the problem.
Yesterday I heard the MDC sectretary Gnl – Biti on RSA Kaya Radio indicating that Mbeki was appointed as Facilitator pre-election btwn MDC and Zanu-FP. And His assertion was that Mbeki mandate has expedired and hence MDC’s call for Levy as now Mediator to resolve post-election disputes. Your take on this??. Anyhow my view is that Levy should continue to provide leadership on Zim issue as he is doing. Mbeki is being hammered even by ANC for too quite diplomacy. If you Mbeki you should realise that he is stubborn when he makes a decision. Even when they told not stand against Zuma he ignored. SADC is probably dealing with two stubborn leaders in Bob and Thabo.
Why are you deliberately forgetting the Lusaka Emergency Summit Sara? Talk of action m’lady and Gabe spurned it.
Mugabe will do what it take to continue in office! He ordered those weapon to start war! but bravo to the high court judge for not granting them the pot! and thanks to mzq too,we don’t want bloodshed anymore in africa! why can’t they sunk the ship and save those chinese men on board!
His intention is to start war,but our president and other leader will not sit down idol and watch this man destroy this beaultful country like that!
Respect for th Head of State, my foot! The ***** should respect us for having given him the job. On Zimbabwe, he is very right, so is Chuumbwe. The sooner we realise that these presidents of ours are not semi-gods, the sooner we will rid ourselves of the nonsense going on in Africa.
I would equally ask Sarah, How and what should be done. I think the only thing that Levy and Mbeki can do is still talk, but it depends on what is being said. They obviously can not send their armies into Zim in the name of practicality – Maybe Mbeki can, but even behind closed doors ( a strategy which has been tried and failed )they will still only be talking.
#61; if I can give credit where it is due, I think the Lusaka summit was a bold and important move by LPM. I would like to believe that even though the summit was inconclusive (least of all because it was snubbed by Mugabe)it provided a useful avenue for SADC to map up a strategy for dealing with the Zim problem. If LPM’s comments were based on what SADC is doing, I would commend him yet again. My problem is that l have failed to see how hapzhard comments, no matter how well meaning and intelligent, can help solve the problem. I would like to believe that providing leadership goes beyond just commenting. Unless y’all think that keeping this story in the media will ultimately wear Mugabe out?
By the way, Zuma, as reported by Reuters in Berlin has stated that the situation in Zim is unnacceptable – one can not simply decide not release results ! Now thats the way to go if you ask me.
Sarah, have you forgotten the closed door talks in LSK, where Bob ridiculed LPM, asking him who he was to talk about Zim? Is that the kind of closed door talks you’re talking about, platfoams for Bob to insult people he chooses to call enermies? Who is going to talk for the ordinary Zimbabwean in front of open doors? LPM’s talk is helpful…it’s the kind of voice the Zim folk desperately need. They want to be encouraged, they need to be shown that they have support. Us Zambians is have never been oppressed before, and will never appreciate the need for outside intervention like our Ugandan friends do. The Ugandans needed outside help to root out Amin. It came from Nyerere!
KK continuously condermned Amin ,publicly of course, and even refused to shake hands with him at an OAU summit. How far did Amin go? A tyrant of his own people does not deserve any diplomacy from foward thinking persons. Bob’s a tyrant. Bob wants to be in power by whatever means possible. Force to remove him would be welcome but LPM gat no resources for such an endevour. Mbeki on the other hand has it. That’s why his voice weighs tonnes more than LPM’s. Africa should mature enough for would be tyrants to think twice before they reign terror on their own people. Uncompromizing criticism of tyrants is a sign of political maturity.
Sarah & Anonymous, keep talking, the world is listening to you. themajority are not always right. Levy is trying to be a football commentator and he is not solving the zim problem. why can’t he shut up his mouth?
Levy is right to say whatever he said openly. The so called quiet diplomacy cannot work with Mugabe. Robert Mugabe is in the league of the late Ian Smith and the former South African apartheid era rulers. Both apartheid and UDI were partly defeated because of loud voices from the region and the world at large. Mugabe is stubborn and he cannot be swayed by softly softly approach. You cannot talk behind closed doors or in smoke-filled board-rooms with someone who can snub SADC openly. I don’t care who says what, Mwanawasa is right to state his position openly. SADC must not and should not be cowed by one dictator who wants to cling on to power until when he enter his coffin. Bravo Mwanawasa!
When mugabe was not taking white farms, he was called a model for democratic leaders in Africa. These praises were coming from the west. When he started getting the farms, they same people turned around and started calling him a tyrant. what BS.
Long live mugabe and let the people of Zim learn from this period what it means to stand up to what u believe in. Levy is a traitor and should not be trusted.
The Zim issue is very sensitive and calls for alot of wisdom in the way it`s handled.
Firstly,LPM rushed to announce the recently held Lusaka summit before informing or engaging the two most crucial players which are Zanu-PF and MDC.This in itself sends alot questions why the summit was even held.That answers why Mugabe didn`t even show up and the results of the summit was big failure.
Secondly,what teeth does SADC have to deter Mugabe from doing anything crazy that would plunge the region into chaos.Are there any trade sunctions or military action in place to enforce peace and stability in the region.Simple pronouncements won`t carry any weight or impact.
Talk of politicians & their cheap talk , e.g.”Quiet diplomacy”, The real heroes yet in this saga are the ORDINARY DOCK WORKERS in DURBAN who have temporarily thwarted unprecedented blood shed. I personally nominate them for the Noble Peace Prize. Zim has changed tact, the ship heading for the west board of Africa, has only one distinct refuge, Equatorial Guinea, who owe Bob a favor, the infamous “coup plotters” he shipped there. I guess the ship will dock & then they will fly in the cargo to Harare, just as they have opted to fly in the second shipment direct from China.
Levy is playing true to his colors, he knows he has no guts to face Bob, feels much safer shouting from atop a hill.
Hey You.. Levy did not Rig the last elections. There is no evidence which shows he rigged them. Unlike Mugabe, Mwanawasa released the results as required making some of You celebrate for the cobra after swwping the CB and City Lusaka.
Mwanawasa has nothing to lose but gain as I said in earlier postings.
Mugabe is a worst of Energy..Support him you sink with him..Mbeki is sinking
Sarah….! Behind closed door??? What you hear LPM talk is just a tip of what they talk behind closed doors. I support our presdo on the Zim issue.
Folks as we speak Zim is already unravelling. Villagers who voted for MDC have been identified in the rural areas by Mugabe’s infamous militias,opportunistic thugs,criminal so called war vets and all this with the help of some elements of the army and police who have unleashed an orgy of violence there.We know this from the little bits of guerilla journalism that is managing to get the word out about the aftermath of the election and the goings on of this current black out period when no one really knows what Bob is doing with the ballots or what will befall the country tomorrow. I lived and worked in this great country folks and election times in Zim are generally no picnic as far as the
lengths to which ZANU PF has consistently gone to perpetuate its stay at the helm. We must be grateful for our country that has learnt that elusive art in Africa of changing power,other people just dream about it and if you think Bob will see the voice of reason behind closed doors, brace for a very long wait…
Swearing again! Can you stop it! Those of you swearing are probably not Zambians because Zambians have respect even for people they do not like. You do not need to insult the President or anyone for that matter. I insist–STOP SWEARING-GROW UP. Do you not have the capacity to discuss matters without throwing swearing tantrums?? The issue of Zimbabwe is very important for us in the region-do not trivialise it by swearing…
I would rather see LPM rigging election than seeing Sata gettin to plot one.Thou i neither support LPM nor Sata, but between two evils choose the least.
Mugabe is a liberation
hero, but his time to go has come
Mugabe has dementia and i think it is time he went. This should be a lesson to all Zedians please vote wisely. Talemena navo
Mugabe has stayed for too long at the top. He should have let go of power 10 years ago. Now the nation of Zimbabwe risks being taken over by the same forces that ensured that Zambians lost everything under the guise of privatization!!
Land was the main drive for the liberation war, yet the new Zimbos are blind to this fact. They are interested in the nice things of life which sanctions have barred from their country.