Barack Obama Condemns Robert Mugabe

Ever since the elections at the end of March, the country of Zimbabwe was plunged into chaos, bloodshed, and violence. There were fears that Zimbabwe could have ended up like Kenya. So far it was not the case. Instead, Zimbabwe ended up becoming far worse than Kenya. While in Kenya, a power sharing deal was reached. However, a power sharing deal in Zimbabwe is highly unlikely. Even Kenya’s government had condemned the actions of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga had demanded Mugabe to step down from power. Odinga called Zimbabwe an embarrassment to Africa. Zimbabwe could be Africa’s Burma. Opposition candidate and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai almost ended up in the same predicament as Aung San Suu Kyi. During the New Hampshire Democratic primary, Obama said that both Odinga and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki work together. Now, Obama has weighed in on Zimbabwe. Obama had also given his condemnation on Mugabe. He said that the violence and bloodshed by Mugabe’s mobs and militiamen would make it impossible for the runoff election to be free and fair. Back in March, Tsvangirai won the elections. But, he did not win enough to avoid a runoff election. Mugabe’s government has been accused of withholding results to steal the election. Obama said: “I have spoken with MDC Leader Morgan Tsvangirai to share my deep concern for the way his supporters are being targeted by the regime and to express my admiration for his efforts.” Presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona back in April called Mugabe’s regime a plague. Recently, Tsvangirai had dropped out of the elections. Many members and supporters of the MDC were targeted for execution by Mugabe’s mobs and militiamen. Mugabe said that he would never cede power to Tsvangirai. Also, the British government is weighing in on possible military action in Zimbabwe. But it is easier said than done.