Inhofe Addresses Political Crisis in Zimbabwe
June 26, 2008
Mr President, I rise today to call to attention to a place that has been lost in the sea of many other conflicts and crises plaguing our world. Zimbabwe, a country slightly bigger than the state of Montana, sits in the southeastern portion of Africa. It has faced and continues to face difficult challenges and untold sufferings, caused primarily by an authoritarian and corrupt leader, Robert Mugabe.
After fighting a long battle of civil war, Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980 from the white Rhodesians. Independence came with a sense of hope and optimism that Zimbabwe could be a country of political and economic promise and stability in Africa. In the beginning, the new government was able to provide free education and access to health care across the country.
The honeymoon quickly ended with the realization that the newly elected President, Mugabe, had fought the war to gain power and control rather than provide freedom and democracy for its people. In the 1990s, the country continued to weaken under the self-centered leadership of Mugabe. As the book of Proverbs tells us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." (Proverbs 29:18) Robert Mugabe failed to provide a vision for his country, focusing solely upon himself and his ability to remain in power.
The people of Zimbabwe have suffered dramatically as a consequence. In a country that once showed evidence of steady economic growth, it is now been named "the world's fastest shrinking economy;" In 2007, inflation rose above 8,000%; unemployment is estimated at 80%; and 80% of the population lives on less than $2.00 a day. Foreign Policy magazine ranks Zimbabwe 4th on the scale of failed states - countries that are vulnerable to violent internal conflict and social dysfunction.
Throughout almost 30 years of Mugabe's rule, he has worked to tighten his reign over the nation by intimidation, violence, and oppression. In 2002, the government initiated a farmland redistribution program which resulted in 400,000 farmers losing their homes and livelihoods. The program resulted in scandal and embarrassment to Mugabe when investigations revealed that more than 300 farms were intended for his senior officials and ministers, rather than for resettlement.
In 2005, Mugabe initiated one of the most inexcusable incidents of his Presidency. "Operation Murambatsvina" or Operation "clean out the filth" was a demolition project the government claimed was designed to rid the capitol city of crime. It resulted in an estimated 700,000 Zimbabweans losing their homes. 20% of the population has been reported as affected by the demolitions. Many believe that this was a political move aimed to squash any potential protests or uprisings against the regime and displace the opposition party base.
Not only has Mugabe's actions displayed his blatant disregard for the wellbeing of his people, but he has also expressed this in his own words. In August of 2006, after a violent crackdown on a peaceful protest by a Zimbabwean union, Mugabe said, "Some people are now crying foul that they were assaulted, yes you get a beating...when the police say move, move, if you don't move, you invite the police to use force." Prior to the incident, Mugabe warned that his security forces "will pull the trigger" against the protestors.
Although drought has been a factor in Zimbabwe's food shortages, many believe that the farm land redistributions and Operation "clean out the filth" contributed drastically to the poverty afflicting the Zimbabweans. The government has accused food aid agencies of using food to turn Zimbabweans away from the Mugabe's ruling party and, in turn, continues to maintain tight control of food distributions.
The totalitarian regime has not surprisingly placed significant emphasis on their military and security forces. In 2006, the government reportedly spent more than $20 million (USD) to purchase new cars for police, military, and intelligence officers. In a dying economy, it is stunning that Zimbabwe is able to buy high priced military articles to include their recent purchase of fighter jets from China that cost $240 million (USD)
As you know, Mr. President, China has an increasing influence on the continent of Africa but their relationship and long time support of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party is concerning. China is currently Zimbabwe's largest investor and second largest trade partner. As most western countries, including the US, enforce an arms embargo against the country, China continues to sell defense articles to the regime. Most recently, South Africa refused to let a Chinese cargo ship unload because it was carrying more than 70 tons of small arms destined for Zimbabwe.
China has also played a significant role in diplomacy with Zimbabwe. China was Mugabe's key supporter through the international outrage in response to Operation "clean out the filth." China worked to quiet UN condemnation of the incident and is now expected to veto any proposed action by the Security Council to punish Mugabe's administration. China's persistent support and supply to Mugabe's regime demonstrates their indifference to the violence, oppression, and potential civil war looming in the country.
On March 29, 2008, Zimbabwe held presidential elections along with parliamentary and local elections. Incumbent President Mugabe ran for the ZANU-PF party and Morgan Tsvangirai, for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party. The election process was tainted by intimidation of voters and violence against the opposition party and supporters of the opposition; political rallies were banned; the opposition party's secretary general was jailed, denied bail, tried with treason, and may face the death penalty. There are also reports that the regime is restricting access to food in opposition areas, threatening already hungry people to either vote for Mugabe or starve.
The results of the race were finally released in May which indicated that MDC opposition leader Tsvangirai won the election receiving more votes than the incumbent. The MDC party also won the majority in the Parliament. Because Tsvangirai failed to earn 50% of the votes needed, officials called for a run-off between Tsvangirai and Mugabe, this runoff is scheduled for this Friday, June 27th
Sadly this week, Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of the race and refused to take part in what he calls "a sham of an election process." He said he cannot ask Zimbabweans to vote "when that vote could cost them their lives." Tsvangirai has taken refuge in the Embassy of the Netherlands. Mugabe has clearly stolen the election and the outlook for true reform for democracy for the people of Zimbabwe looks bleak.
As I have traveled across the continent of Africa, with 97 visits to African nations, I have seen both hope and dismay. I have been blessed to develop many relationships with African leaders, many of whom care deeply for their people rather than their own ambitions.
While Mugabe leads Zimbabwe away from reaching its full potential, there are other leaders on the continent that have chosen a vision of democracy, freedom and progress for their countries. While not perfect, each of them is making improvements and taking strides to improve democratic practices and exercise free political will.
It is time for Mugabe to allow his people to decide the next phase and direction of their country. I call on African leaders, many of whom are my friends and brothers, and leaders all over the world to do what they can to help the people of Zimbabwe.
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