During a recent interview, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that Robert Mugabe needed face-saving options in order for him to step down. Is there perhaps a hint of a TRC type amnesty there?
During a recent interview, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that Robert Mugabe needed face-saving options in order for him to step down. Is there perhaps a hint of a TRC type amnesty there?
There is no doubt that Mugabe wishes to retire to his mansion with his young wife and family. Only his fear of prosecution prevents him from doing so. He knows that the days have passed when leaders accused of crimes were able to escape prosecution by fleeing to another country.
The arrest and trial of his friend Charles Taylor has encouraged Mugabe to stay in power, where he has control over his destiny. He will try and stay on until his death if possible. Only the people of Zimbabwe and his Zanu-PF can force him to step down. That day cannot be far off.
Nothing must stand in the way of justice for the thousands of people who were massacred in Matabeleland in the 1980s.
A human rights commission at the time maintained that a military brigade directed by Mugabe was responsible for the atrocities.
Like Milosevic, Taylor and others, all the crimes must be thoroughly investigated and if there is evidence, Mugabe must be arrested and tried at the world court at The Hague.
Not even Morgan Tsvangirai or President Thabo Mbeki have the moral right to grant Mugabe amnesty in exchange for retirement, as is sometimes hinted.
Frank Hartry, Kingsburgh
Mugabe fears prosecution for rights abuses
During a recent interview, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that Robert Mugabe needed face-saving options in order for him to step down. Is there perhaps a hint of a TRC type amnesty there?
During a recent interview, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that Robert Mugabe needed face-saving options in order for him to step down. Is there perhaps a hint of a TRC type amnesty there?
There is no doubt that Mugabe wishes to retire to his mansion with his young wife and family. Only his fear of prosecution prevents him from doing so. He knows that the days have passed when leaders accused of crimes were able to escape prosecution by fleeing to another country.
The arrest and trial of his friend Charles Taylor has encouraged Mugabe to stay in power, where he has control over his destiny. He will try and stay on until his death if possible. Only the people of Zimbabwe and his Zanu-PF can force him to step down. That day cannot be far off.
Nothing must stand in the way of justice for the thousands of people who were massacred in Matabeleland in the 1980s.
A human rights commission at the time maintained that a military brigade directed by Mugabe was responsible for the atrocities.
Like Milosevic, Taylor and others, all the crimes must be thoroughly investigated and if there is evidence, Mugabe must be arrested and tried at the world court at The Hague.
Not even Morgan Tsvangirai or President Thabo Mbeki have the moral right to grant Mugabe amnesty in exchange for retirement, as is sometimes hinted.
Frank Hartry, Kingsburgh
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