Furthermore, Mugabe said he would cooperate with those who respect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty. He stated that he took solace in the fact that some permanent members of the Security Council defend the UN Charter and protect other member nations’ sovereignty by checking power of Security Council members. This was a jab at the countries, namely the United States and Great Britain, which had earlier in the year called for an invocation of Chapter VII on Zimbabwe. This clause of the UN Charter allows for use of force in implementing action against a country. Mugabe then pointed fingers saying, “Surely, those who invaded other countries under false pretenses and on the strength of contrived lies…must be made liable for them!” In this instance, he likens his own country to one wrongfully accused. By attempting to construct a shared identity with countries whose sovereignty has been threatened, Zimbabwe is positioning herself to engage in better communication, by having a louder, collective voice, and preserving their integrity as a nation.

The final point Mugabe addressed is the addition of African seats on the Security Council. As it stands, he believes, the Council is undemocratic, because some of the more powerful members see it only as a means to further political agendas. It will democratize proceedings; wholly African mediation is evidence that Africa can work to solve the problems Mugabe called “remnants of colonialism.” They share a relative identity, and thus can communicate more effectively to achieve the ideals of every state.

Mugabe is proving himself as an effective leader, at least in terms of opening lines of discourse for Zimbabwe. He should have left his finger pointing out of the UN proceedings yesterday though, as later in his speech he characterized the vindictive approach as deplorable, self-righteous finger pointing. If Mugabe can calmly maintain his consistency in beliefs in talks with the UN, the sanctions will be lifted soon. However, Thursday showed that while he has excellent points, the childlike petulance Mugabe displayed will get Zimbabwe nowhere with the Security Council or General Assembly.