Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Zimbabwe
Title
African Leaders Call for Action regarding Mugabe
Summary
African leaders including Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Botswana’s foreign minister, Mr. Zuma, who is likely to be South Africa’s next president, and others, have called for action and involvement with regards to President Mugabe’s continued resistance to power-sharing. As the power-sharing agreement in Zimbabwe continues to falter and has been deemed “dead,” African leaders have hardened their approach to handling this volatile situation. With regards to Zimbabwe’s current vulnerable and unstable circumstances, which include a cholera outbreak, Mugabe has been considered incapable and, by some, unwilling to serve and provide safety and security to the people of Zimbabwe.
Analysis
Many African nations have recognized the situation in Zimbabwe as important and significant and have taken steps to involve themselves. Zimbabwe’s crisis and its struggle for power have impacted the nations surrounding the state. These states have an invested interest in Zimbabwe’s affairs because of its impact on their own nations, their region as a whole, and the people of Zimbabwe.
These nations are attempting to remove Mugabe from power through isolation and pressure, without the use of hard power. Their has been no public discussion of military action or invasion, but rather suggestions that states must work to “push” Mugabe out of power through other means. These nations have taken a “hard stance” towards Mugabe and his governing which has the left the nation in shambles. The Kenyan prime minister has called on other African governments to collectively work together to remove Mugabe from power. This is not an effort to gain exclusive power for one’s own states, but rather an attempt to create a stable state and representative government which will benefit the people of Zimbabwe and also the other states of the region. The interconnectedness of Zimbabwe’s affairs with the entire region explains their involvement and efforts that these nations have exerted.
Also as the humanitarian crisis continues and worsens, these nations have recognized that the current government cannot effectively manage or handle the crisis, which is worsening. Their ability to aid and provide humanitarian relief for those suffering in Zimbabwe places them in a position of influence. If it is possible to establish cooperation and coordination between these African nations, it is logical to expect that Mugabe and his government will be forced to submit to this united front.
Perspectivel
Liberal
In-Region URL
Out-of-Region URL
Submitted
December 4, 2008 at 4:09 pm