Zimbabwe Detains, then Frees Diplomats

The Washington Post probes a campaign of intimidation

(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. More»

Zimbabwe was won by force, shouldn't be surrendered by vote, they say

(NEWSER) - Veterans of Zimbabwe’s war of independence are eager to fight in support of the ruling party, says President Robert Mugabe. “They came to my office after the election and asked me, ‘Can we take up arms?’” Mugabe told the state-run newspaper. “They said this country was won by the barrel of the gun and should we let it go at the stroke of a pen?” More»

One woman had hand, feet chopped off; another was pregnant

(NEWSER) - Zimbabwean opposition leader Patson Chipiro came home Friday to a burning house. “I was trying to put the fire out,” he says. “I thought my wife was hiding in the bushes.” But Mrs. Chipiro was in the blazing house, where militia men loyal to Robert Mugabe had tossed her after chopping off one of her hands and both her feet, the Times of London reports. More»

Odds look bad for smooth Mugabe exit

(NEWSER) - As Robert Mugabe’s war against his political opponents—and anyone who supports them—intensifies in the run-up to the run-off, Royal African Society Director Richard Dowden breaks down the possible endgames for the London Times.

• Morgan Tsvangirai takes power, after winning a majority. Odds: zero. Even if Mugabe’s violent intimidation and vote rigging somehow fail, he won’t concede.
• Mugabe and Tsvangirai form a Kenyan-style unity government. Odds: less than zero. Neither side is interested.

Prez speaks at service for rival's wife

(NEWSER) - Speaking today at the funeral of his rival’s wife, President Robert Mugabe told supporters “that the issue of violence must end” in Zimbabwe, the BBC reports. He pleaded with mourners to “accept” Susan Tsvangirai’s death in a car crash. “It’s the hand of God,” Mugabe told Morgan Tsvangirai. “Rest assured we are with you, honorable prime minister.” More»