Polish solidarity movement and lessons for Zimbabwe

By Tererai Karimakwenda
26 September 2005

The American Enterprise Institute recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Polish solidarity movement at its conference, and there were many lessons in it for delegates from today's so-called "outposts of tyranny".

Former Polish president Lech Walesa, who opened the conference, is considered an inspiring role model for his success in removing a dictator back in 1980. For the delegates from Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria and Burma among others, Walesa is evidence that change is possible wherever people are being oppressed. And for delegates from Zimbabwe in particular, the conference was very timely but also dangerous and difficult. On the day of the conference, Robert Mugabe signed into law the constitutional amendments that give the state powers to take away passports from anyone critical of the government.
Roger Bate, a resident fellow at the Enterprise Institute, talked to us about
the lessons of this conference. He believes totalitarian rulers may have
different forms of government but nearly always follow similar methods.
They all suppress the independent media, prevent free elections and use violence to oppress their citizens. But Bate says while the regimes adopt the same forms of suppression, the opposition can adopt many forms of revolt. They can use strikes and non-violent protests as in Poland, sabotage and civil disobedience as in South America and armed conflict as was the case in former Rhodesia. Bate says it is tragic that the dictatorial white government gave way to a far worse black government.

Bate believes that change requires resolve, the right time and often external support. He said with Zimbabwe sliding into a disaster of Rwandan proportions and Mugabe's power weakening due to economic collapse, the time is right for change. But he believes Zimbabweans must prove their resolve to change first, then the regional and international community will step in to help. He said it is essential that the US provide more humanitarian relief, push the United Nations to help, and support civil society. Violent conflict will be the result unless more external aid is provided - and soon.