Britain and Zimbabwe Embroiled in Rancorous Conflict Amid Farm Violence

Strategic Insights -

Tensions between Britain and Zimbabwe have reached a boiling point over the bloody confrontation between white farmers and black squatters, with 19 people killed since February. The conflict has deteriorated rapidly, with men identifying themselves as veterans of Zimbabwe's war of independence invading white-owned farms to reclaim land they believe belongs to black Zimbabweans. President Robert Mugabe has supported the farm raids, blaming whites and Britain for Zimbabwe's deepening economic crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • 19 people have been killed in the violence since February, with 16 being black opponents of the Mugabe regime.
  • Most white farmers, who own about a third of Zimbabwe's productive land, are of British descent and hold United Kingdom passports.
  • Zimbabwe's 76-year-old President Robert Mugabe has suspended Parliament and is required by the country's constitution to hold a general election by August.
  • British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has condemned Mugabe for the violence and chaos, demanding that he stop the violence and submit to free and open elections.
  • The Commonwealth of States, an association of the United Kingdom and former British colonies, has rebuked Mugabe's government, condemning the violence and calling for free and fair elections.
  • Archbishop Desmond Tutu has warned that the conflict in Zimbabwe could lead to a major humanitarian crisis.
  • President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has expressed concerns that the dispute could inspire other maverick African politicians to take up Mugabe's hard-line tactics.

Statistics:

  • 19 people have been killed in the violence since February.
  • 16 of the 19 people killed were black opponents of the Mugabe regime.
  • 2 percent of Zimbabwe's estimated 11 million residents are white.
  • 20,000 European Union citizens have been reported to be at risk of military intervention.
  • Zimbabwe's land reform efforts have been suspended due to oppostion from the EU.

Sources:

  • www.africaonline.co.zw
  • www.africanews.org
  • www.samara.co.zw/cfu