The Latest on Zimbabwe

(BBC Online)

(Originally published on Paul Burgin's blog)

In the past week, the situation here has been tipping to the point where it is fair to ask: "Is Robert Mugabe coming to the end of his dictatorship?"

First there were the attacks on opposition leaders after a prayer meeting, then the African press started to attack Mugabe (unheard of until now), then South Africa (previously an ally) started to criticise Mugabe's regime, at the same time the President of the African Union calling Mugabe's actions "very embarrassing"

This has been followed by opposition members in Zimbabwe prevented from leaving the country and Mugabe threatening to expel western diplomats who criticise his regime. On top of all this, the country is undergoing economic meltdown, with inflation higher than anywhere else in the World.

Mugabe looks like a man who is becoming increasingly desperate to hold on to power whatever the cost. If he resigns, he knows there is a strong chance of being charged with a no of crimes pertaining to his regime. He can also feel the heat of other countries, previously silent, starting to attack him.

The UK are calling for widespread sanctions and the prevention of travelling abroad of 125 Zimbabwean officials and their families. In the meantime he is trying to encourage stronger relations with China, who have so far not criticised his regime and who are keen for a more predominant influence in the Third World.

There are two approaches to take on this, one is to take a prayerful and reflective view on how to resolve this issue without causing any damaging rifts with other African countries, the other is not to back down now. More people are attacking Mugabe and his language is becoming more hostile, this is the sign of a man rattled and losing his grip on power.