On December 27, 2007, the country of Kenya was plunged into chaos after the elections. For many weeks, Kenya was plunged into turmoil with many dead and many more displaced. It became a humanitarian crisis in Kenya.
As Zimbabwe prepared for its election at the end of March, President Robert Mugabe said that the country will not be like Kenya. He was right. Zimbabwe did not become like Kenya. The country’s situation had become much worse. So far, it seems to mirror what is has transpired in Burma the last few months.
Burma is controlled by a junta. Aung San Suu Kyi won the election back in 1990. But the junta refused to accept and acknowledge the results. Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest with extended sentences.
Mugabe has sworn not to cede power to opposition candidate and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai won; but, not enough to avoid a runoff. Mugabe said that even if Tsvangirai wins, he will never get into office. Mugabe had issued the threat of a civil war if he loses.
Many people have been threatened with death if they don’t vote for Mugabe. Many people have fled to neighboring countries. Many members and supporters of the MDC have been targeted for execution by Mugabe’s Zanu-PF mobs and militiamen with the assistance of the military.
Now, Britain’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) is contemplating invading Zimbabwe to resolve the crisis. Two plans have been drawn out. The first plan would be to resolve the humanitarian crisis that has been created in the wake of the chaos. The second plan would to evacuate British citizens from the country.
These plans will be carried out on the assumption that the neighboring African countries will allow British troops to be hosted. However, sources say that there the strong chance that it might not happen.
According to Lord Carrington, British intervention in Zimbabwe would make the African nations think of colonization all over again. He adds that military intervention would need to be supported by Zimbabwe’s neighboring countries. Carrington specifically said that Britain would need assistance from South Africa.
South African President Thabo Mbeki has made one final attempt to negotiate with Mugabe.
Many within the British government have differing opinions over such action. Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch-Brown said such an action is not feasible and would not get international support.
Major-General Julian Thompson explains that it would be difficult getting the troops into Zimbabwe. He asks the question if the military would get permission from other African countries to fly over their airspace.
Still, no action is taken yet. But, the government is debating whether or not to take military action in Zimbabwe. So far, the two plans have been drawn out. Drawing out a plan is one thing. Executing a plan is another story.
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