United Nations gives Mugabe platform to blast critics

By Tererai Karimakwenda
15 September 2005

World leaders gathered at the United Nations Summit, which began Wednesday in New York, were treated to Robert Mugabe’s anticipated ranting against the United States and Britain. In what has become a platform for him to blast his critics worldwide, Mugabe said that powerful countries are using humanitarian intervention to meddle in the affairs of small and weak nations. But as he addressed the world leaders at the UN General Assembly, Zimbabweans were planning to demonstrate against his government and the suffering it has caused innocent people.

An organization called the Zimbabwe Action Group has organized a demonstration to be held on Saturday near the United Nations Main Headquarters. One of the coordinators, Reverend Nick Mada, said they do not care about the hatred that Mugabe displays when the UN allows him to speak. They care about the way he treats their relatives back home and about the policies that affect Zimbabwe.

Reverend Mada said: ‘The United Nations is the perfect venue to highlight these sorts of issues and world leaders should know about the suffering that our relatives are suffering back home because of Robert Mugabe.’ Mada believes Mugabe is not as clever as he may think he is. He said just look at how he treats Zimbabweans and you will know that we need a government that will provide a better life.

The demonstration will take place from 10:30-2:30 this coming Saturday September 17th at 47th street and 2nd avenue in New York. There will be a petition circulating asking world leaders to force change in Zimbabwe.