Five days ago, military spokesperson Maj Gen SB Moyo said the following in a speech broadcast on Zimbabwean state TV
Firstly we wish to assure our nation, His Excellency, the president of the republic of Zimbabwe and commander in chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, comrade R G Mugabe and his family, are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed. We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice
The full statement can be read here.
Today western media outlets are reporting that Mugabe has given a speech in which he failed to resign. I’m not quite sure who it is that has been holding that expectation – or why they would necessarily have that expectation in light of the address given by the military spokesperson last Wednesday. And I’m a little bit foggy on what legitimacy his reported removal as leader of the Zanu-PF has – ie, who made the call, what authority do they have to make the call, and then, even if his removal is legitimate, what effect that has on him retaining the position of President?
At the end of Gen SB Moyo’s address last Wednesday, he said
And to the media, we urge you to report fairly and responsibly.
Now see, I’m not so sure that’s happening. The impression I’m getting is that European and South African media are reporting off the back of decades worth of bias towards Zimbabwe and the rule of Mugabe. In other words, I’m suggesting the current picture (like the political history of the country) is far more nuanced and complex than what “our” media reports. And sure, maybe most of us are happy enough to understand what we’re led to understand.
But if a broader picture of Zimbabwe than that offered by “our” media is your aim, then I’d suggest this piece that I stumbled across maybe a year ago “Harare: Is it Really the Worst Place on Earth?” by Andre Vitchek as a gentle enough place to start. Or, if you want some political commentary from inside Zimbabwe, then maybe this is a place worth visiting.
And any further links to informative news sources that anyone wants to provide in the the comments section will be appreciated.
Powered by WPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress