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Mugabe's Bloody Path to Victory in Zimbabwe

The Washington Post probes a campaign of intimidation

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 5, 2008 12:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – When Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, first learned he’d lost his March bid for re-election, he told supporters he’d concede–but they wouldn’t listen. Instead, Mugabe agreed to let the army swing the vote in his favor. Thus began a campaign of violent intimidation that ultimately forced his opponent to drop out. Using meeting notes and witness reports, the Washington Post describes the brutality.

Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party began by establishing 2,000 militia bases around Zimbabwe. It launched its first major attack May 5, with 200 party supporters charging through the streets of a small town that had voted for the opposition. Seven were left dead as others faced beatings and mutilation. Such attacks continued through the country, moving southward and killing opposition supporters as the Zanu-PF predicted a landslide victory.

Burnt huts are seen at a farm north of Harare, Friday, April, 11, 2008. Huts were burnt when Zanu-PF militia invaded the farm and accused workers of being supporters of the main opposition party.
Burnt huts are seen at a farm north of Harare, Friday, April, 11, 2008. Huts were burnt when Zanu-PF militia invaded the farm and accused workers of being supporters of the main opposition party.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe addresses supporters at the Harare airport Friday on his return to Harare from Egypt, where he attended the African Union summit.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe addresses supporters at the Harare airport Friday on his return to Harare from Egypt, where he attended the African Union summit.   (AP Photo)
Zanu -PF militia members beat unidentified people at the venue of the proposed opposition party rally in Harare, Sunday, June 22, 2008.
Zanu -PF militia members beat unidentified people at the venue of the proposed opposition party rally in Harare, Sunday, June 22, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • violence • Zimbabwe elections • Zanu-PF • intimidation

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