Clinton adds to pressure on Mbeki


By Tererai Karimakwenda
19 July 2005

When the Russian leader Vladmir Putin spoke against the Mugabe regime's cleanup operation at the G8 summit in Geneva, it became clear the tide was turning. Russia has always supported liberation movements in Africa, and Putin's comments that money would be wasted on leaders like Robert Mugabe signalled to South African president Thabo Mbeki that his continued support of Harare might jeopardize his own agenda. As it turns out, that was not the end of it. The pressure on Mbeki continues to intensify.

Since then, the Pope and various religious leaders have added their voices to the growing list against operation Murambatsvina. And on Monday, former U.S. president Bill Clinton joined the line-up. Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, Clinton told guests that when Mugabe ploughs up neighbourhoods that coincidentally voted against him, he should be criticised.

"I understand non-interference and solidarity with someone who spoke out against the evils of apartheid", Clinton said. "But you can only take that so far." This is as direct a reference to Mbeki as it can get without actually naming and shaming him. And to drive the point home, Clinton went further to say "If you want to build a modern and credible continent you have to speak out against the sort of thing Mugabe is doing."
Chris Maroleng at South Africa's Institute for Security Studies said there is intensified diplomatic activity between Pretoria and Harare which shows that Mbeki is definitely feeling the pressure. Maroleng said Zimbabwe has become a test ground for Mbeki's political resolve, and as Mugabe is asking him for financial assistance, Mbeki now has leverage that he can use to push for dialogue in Zimbabwe.