Can any one please tell me why at the break of a civil society in Zimbabwe China should be sending ship with loads of ammunitions to that country?   Mugabe has increasingly relied on the military forces that came out of his liberation movement. Those soldiers who struggled with him during the tumultuous days of decolonization have been convinced that political defeat of Mugabe is tantamount to their own political doom. Because of this myopic and self-centered ambition the will of the majority of the Zimbabweans are doomed and ignored by Mugabe and his cohorts.   Since 2000, there have been about three elections so far. There was the election that came after the referendum almost eight years ago; then the second election after the rigged one before referendum. The last election which took place this year is simply an ugly reminder of the series of political manipulations that have come to define who Mugabe is and what kind of politics he plays. Clearly determined to rule almost under a one-party state with fickle and cowed leaders in the Opposition, and unwilling to listen to pro-democratic forces abroad, Mugabe has made his country dangerous and unwise to stay. As a result over one-third of its population fled the country where they are found almost everywhere in the world just like most African countries anyway...

Chinese infiltration in Africa is a disturbing situation; experience they said is the best teacher. But in Africa opposite is the case, when the Europeans came to Africa with the slogan of civilization and development, they came with other things far more than what we were told. They principally came and took with them our dignity, our pride and our self esteem away from us. They succeeded, now after many years of trying to define ourselves we are once again on the threshold of being beaten down once more by China .The Chinese involvement in African is undeniably huge, but embracing or showing support for a government known for its dictatorship, human rights abuse and undemocratic practices is highly unwelcoming. There are many Africans who welcome the Chinese on the African continent; however, some are fearful of potential Chinese imperial ambitions and the vulnerability of the African countries. The anti-China forces in Africa have expressed their opinions against China ’s support for Mugabe in the face of global opposition to his arbitrary rule. This state of affairs is definitely unpopular in Africa .

Global disgust with Mugabe is just one big difference between China and many pro-democracy groups around the world; but what is most disturbing is China ’s entanglement with the government of Sudan , Darfur is the most pressing challenge that somehow connects China ’s lack of enthusiasm for human rights and Mugabe ’s total denial of justice and freedom in his own country. What is most discouraging to Zimbabweans, Sudanese and others hopelessly disadvantaged by their tin pot dictators, has been the total ineffectiveness of America since the days when Colin Powell, the former Secretary of States for the United States of America, used genocide against the Sudanese leaders China was expected to act differently. It has not. Rather, it is in bed with Nigeria through dubious and wayo contracts and other trade deals. The Nigerian markets just like most African countries are witnessing greater presence of Chinese goods and services of inferior quality. This relation with the Chinese has created a New China Deal in Africa . It is not only a commercial deal but it is more dangerously a military tango.

The Mugabe meltdown is gaining momentum and China has become a culprit in his political scam. Its guilt by association is now further globalized by the agitations and demonstrations of the peoples of Tibet . Marginalized and political dominated, they too languished under Chinese rule as Zimbabwean under Mugabe . There is a need for economic development in Zimbabwe but to consolidate this, there must be first political stability.  China is bad news to Zimbabweans who clamor for freedom largely because their leaders are neither willing to grant democracy to their countrymen and women nor to outsiders pressing for change in their home countries. Charity begins at home. What is happening in Zimbabwe parallels to what is taking place in many African countries that attract Chinese business or political interest, Angola, Nigeria, Cameroon, and other oil producing nations that influence China’s trading ventures in Africa. It is all about oil, oil oil!. Zimbabwe is not a country rich in black gold. It is however well endowed with natural resources and the Chinese have for long appreciated the role of such materials in Chinese-African relations..

One villain in this whole drama is South African President Thabo Mbeki . Much fascinated with the elderly Mugabe , he has failed to do his homework in the resolution of the political imbroglio in Zimbabwe . When most people urged speedily pressing of Mugabe , Mbeki kowtowed and hugged Mugabe . This style of political mediation is rejected by the opposition in Zimbabwe and by ANC national President Zuma . What made this development both political significant and morally challenging to Chinese and Mugabe , is the climate of opinion in his country and the global frustration with his administration. Not only was Mugabe and company dealt a new fatal blow during the last elections, but the world and Zimbabwe ’s immediate neighbors have also come to a turning point. The people of Zimbabwe are mourning the deterioration of their political and economic systems while hoping, perhaps against hope, that sometime soon Mugabe the dictator would either be recalled by God or through a change of heart after a resounding defeat at the polls. The latest development that links the Mugabe government and the Chinese is the large military shipping that originated in China but got stranded on South African sea ports. Why is China willing to send 3 million rounds of assault rifle ammunition, 3,000 mortar rounds and 1,500 rocket propelled grenades? The answer is very simple. Such military hard wares meant more dollars and Euros for the Chinese Treasury while it meant war and violence in Africa . The grave tragedy in Zimbabwe is the classical deterioration of politics where the nation’s money is spent on things that suppressed the people and nothing to do with improving their quality of life.

It is clear from the unfolding of events that Mugabe ’s 28 years of the politics of ‘love and hate’ is at its historic end. Unfortunately, this once almighty hero and super Panafricanist fell from grace to disgrace due to his short sightedness and his obsession with power. I am not suggesting that he is going to hand over power to his political rival just like that. To the contrary: the power will hand him over by the will of the people, the power that no amount of political repression or intimidation is going to stop. African governments should not sit with folded hands and leave Zimbabweans to fight this war alone. I must first say kudos to the Southern African countries who courageously stepped forward in the name of democracy and peace by not allowing Chinese military weapons of mass destruction to undock.  This is a giant move, but much is still needed. The African Union should also get involved; I think the problem in Zimbabwe is not just that country’s dilemma alone; it is an African problem as well. In my language, it is says when the nose is crying, the eyes start to cry with it as well. We need a strong frontier to confront this last dictator once and for all for the good of our pride and our name.

I do not have any qualms with China ; I have issues with its ideology of expansionism which seeks to infiltrate Chinese culture into our own culture. What Africa really needs at this point of time is the transfer of technology and science. As one Chinese proverbs goes, “don’t give a man a fish, teach him how to fish so he can fish for himself”. Many years of foreign assistance have not helped Africa in anyways; rather it helped to get the governments more corrupt and dependent on rich nations. I am advocating for freedom from economic development and sustenance and political self rule. The only way we can achieve this is by first stopping Mugabe ’s romance with Chinese weapons and support the people of Zimbabwe .  

What is striking to me about Mugabe, China and the prospect for political violence in Zimbabwe is how personal deference towards the eighty -four years leader has prevented men such as Thabo Meki to help bring about change in that country. Another conclusion is the intervention of China in this African crisis and how her arm exports pose a serious threat to law and stability in African societies. Zimbabweans are terribly violated by Mugabe and the Chinese have done little or nothing to ameliorate the situation. A major setback to the democrat forces in Zimbabwe is the total neglect of justice by the ruling party. The transfer of military weapons this time is dangerous and imprudent. Violence is a bad choice in all political discourse. And Mugabe should learn from this crisis.

 What is happening in Zimbabwe parallels to what is taking place in many African countries that attract Chinese business or political interest, Angola, Nigeria, Cameroon, and other oil producing nations that influence China’s trading ventures in Africa. It is all about oil, oil oil!. Zimbabwe is not a country rich in black gold. It is however well endowed with natural resources and the Chinese have for long appreciated the role of such materials in Chinese-African relations..

 What is unsettling in this crisis is its Kenyan stlye of political violence. Is Zimbabwe crumbling into that nightmare of brutality and ethnic cleansing thatstill holds Kenyans in political defeat. I hope and pray that personal deference of this eighty -four years leader which has prevented men such as Thabo Meki and other African leaders do not affect a new era of change in that country. Again, the intervention of China in this African crisis and  her arm exports pose a serious threat to law and stability in African societies. Zimbabweans are terribly violated by Mugabe and the Chinese have done little or nothing to ameliorate the situation. A major setback to the democrat forces in Zimbabwe is the total neglect of justice by the ruling party. The transfer of military weapons this time is dangerous and imprudent. Violence is a bad choice in all political discourse. And Mugabe should learn from this crisis.

Robot  Villager

# 1 ...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 28.04.2008 07:22

truthsayer33  Villager

# 2 what an amazing article,the sort of article they churn out at the CIA and the British foreign office. The rest of the world trades with China but when African nations trade with China the West shouts about Chinese penetration. I find it very strange that countries who advised Nigerians not to protest about their stolen elections are now fanning the flames in Zimbabwe.Why is it that Baroness Amos is not speaking out about the need for the people of Zimbabwe to be patient for the unfolding of western style democracy.And as for Baroness Chalker has she lost her voice. Posted by truthsayer33| 28.04.2008 09:58

Abujaboy  Villager

# 3 An article by the CIA? Get real. It's a clarion call condemning SADC nations and others for their complicity in Mugabe's brutal oppression of his own people. It also calls for Africans to scrutinize who they do business with -- that's what the CIA's agenda is? Greater African autonomy? Last, the world SHOULD hold up to the light what China is doing here -- an unbelievable amount of money and political influence being poured into the continent in a very short time, and it should go unnoticed? Uncommented upon? And when it's a shipment of arms? If this article is written by the CIA or the British government, then according to your logic, you yourself are a paid Chinese agent. And BOTH propositions are equally stupid. Posted by Abujaboy| 28.04.2008 11:09

philipikita  Villager

# 4 THANK YOU TRUTHSAYER33! Let the rest of the world block any trade links with China. This (China) is a rising super power and it's behaving like a super power. If you want to criticize the colonization/recolonization of Africa, do so. But don't sing the empty mantra of democracy according to the Western powers. When next you meet with a South African on the streets of Soweto or Durban, ask her/him why s/he thinks Mbeki is soft on Zimbabwe. The would tell you the dream of a leader who would have the courage to grab land and give back to them + you they have not forgotten what Zimbabwe did for them during the years of apartheid. That is not to say Mugabe is my hero... Posted by philipikita| 28.04.2008 13:13

SUYA  Villager

# 5 Excellent Article Eucharia Mbachu. Sadly most people still dont realize that its not about what China does with the West but what she does not do with Africa. Namely respect human rights. If Canada saw the evil of trading with the Sudan under present conditions why then not China? :rolleyes: If China was in the middle of a dometic crisis and say Nigeria exported arms to the trouble makers (for lack of a better word) what do you think her stance would be? China's Arms Ship currently "stranded" in Angola Certianly not the ignorance she is trying to sell the world..u know host makind in Sports greatest party while adding to her demise by selling cheap Ak 47's to anyone who can pay. What utter rubbish. I strongly recommend that any one still confused about Chinas REAL role in Africa watch the following documentary and then still come here and ramble on about how 1+1 does not equate 2. Posted by SUYA| 28.04.2008 13:38

aguabata  Villager

# 6 some of us are victims of western propaganda and it pains me when we fall for it hook line and sinker. Mugabe is not at all the nicest african leader but he is far from being anything he has been lumped with. the west has put him amongst the Idi Amin's, Mobutus sadam husseins. Any commentator on current political turbulence in Zimbabwe should show a flexible knowledge of its history and politics. Zimbabwean politics is a full book. A recount of the parliamentary votes has been concluded and the opposition still won. Tsvangirai is hiding in Botswana, MDC supporters are allegedly hiding from government forces. why couldnt the tyrannical mugabe declare himself winner and chase the opposition away? Who is he afraid of? Dont forget the neighbouring country's government are not hostile to him. the west has literally brought his country to her knees so he has nothing to loose. Why isnt he behaving like the tyrant they call him? Despite being miles apart in enlightenment to his opposition he has conducted himself unlike any country's leader in distress. Mugabe has been president for 28 years and managed a vibrant economy then, When mugabe arrogantly took white farms and the natives savagely killed British farmers; 'THINGS FELL APART' Posted by aguabata| 28.04.2008 13:43

philipikita  Villager

# 7 THANK YOU AGUABATA. My grouse with this article is the wholescale use of western arguments and mantras of "democracy","freedom" etc. Is Nigeria a better 'democracy' than Zimbabwe? Can we attempt to compare our May 2007 charade with Zimbabwe's recent election? Yet, the western masters brush Nigeria's mess aside (Ah! sweet crude dey flow. Wetin?) and demonize Mugabe totally, using their IMF to muzzle Zimbabwe's economy. What China's doing is exactly what any super power would do. They are overflowing with everything, including arms. If technology changes and new arms are manufactured, the old cache is done away with even for 'free', although nothing is free, some interest must be there. I am not a supporter of Mugabe. I only detest using the Western yardstick to criticize him! Posted by philipikita| 28.04.2008 21:50

Abujaboy  Villager

# 8 I'm amazed how much credibility Mugabe has bought with his revolutionary activities nearly 30 years ago. Now no matter what he does, he'll still have plenty of support, at least here at the Village Square. You know, if it were just whites that he and his thugs were killing and denying basic human rights to, I could see the level of support; but it's black people -- Africans. And STILL he has his apologists here. And the same people who decry imperialism from the West welcome it from China, of all places! Posted by Abujaboy| 29.04.2008 03:30

truthsayer33  Villager

# 9 =Abujaboy;4295011354>I'm amazed how much credibility Mugabe has bought with his revolutionary activities nearly 30 years ago. Now no matter what he does, he'll still have plenty of support, at least here at the Village Square. You know, if it were just whites that he and his thugs were killing and denying basic human rights to, I could see the level of support; but it's black people -- Africans. And STILL he has his apologists here. And the same people who decry imperialism from the West welcome it from China, of all places! The fight for the liberation of Africa is not over.Mbeki understands it all too well.As for Chinese influence,the Chinese were early supporters of ZANU PF and Moscow supported Nkomo's ZAPU. Please know your history before baring your bottom in the village square. Posted by truthsayer33| 29.04.2008 07:38

truthsayer33  Villager

# 10 Extract from BBC website: Zimbabwe is an easy target for Western governments. The image of Robert Mugabe as an arrogant dictator is straightforward and easy to condemn. Doing so polishes politicians' credentials as democrats defending human rights, without having to worry about losing things like oil. But the bitter lesson of the past decade has been that in being openly critical, the West has done more harm than good in Zimbabwe. Starting with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his then International Development Secretary Clare Short more than a decade ago, British criticism has played into President Mugabe's view of black Africa under siege by white colonialists. Rather than increasing pressure for him to go, the criticism has given Mr Mugabe fuel for his rhetorical fire. Lessons of history In 1997, Ms Short wrote a now infamous letter to Zimbabwe's Agriculture Minister, Kumbirai Kangai. She was responding to President Mugabe's demand that Britain fulfill its Lancaster House agreement to pay for land redistribution from white farmers to poor black Zimbabweans. "I should make it clear," she said, "that we do not accept that Britain has a special responsibility to meet the costs of land purchase in Zimbabwe." "We are a new government from diverse backgrounds without links to former colonial interests. My own origins are Irish and, as you know, we were colonised, not colonisers." It hardly matters now whether that letter really did send Mr Mugabe into a rage that became focused on the white farmers who were to lose their properties in the land invasions that began in 2000. But it showed a basic misunderstanding of Zimbabwe's recent colonial history that still taints the West's approach to the country. After Zimbabwe's liberation war of the 1970s to overthrow Ian Smith's minority government, the white community reached an unspoken compact with President Mugabe's Zanu-PF party. If they stayed out of politics, they would be left alone. But when the issue over land flared up, they began to support the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in a move that Mr Mugabe came to regard as a continuation of the war by other means. It became easy to cast the MDC as poodles of London and Washington, particularly as it accepted support from both. Now, every utterance from either capital confirms a view of the West as one that still cannot accept the idea that Africans should be allowed to shape their own destinies. That is what Mr Mbeki meant when he said on Sunday that "there is no crisis". Posted by truthsayer33| 29.04.2008 07:57

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