A look at Mugabe UN speech vs deeds

By Viola Chisvo

Robert Mugabe’s emotionally charged speech which was delivered at the UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY in New York on 22 September 2011 mainly focused on NATO countries’ interference in Libya, the shortfalls of ICC (International Criminal Court) in failing to bring perpetrators of gross human rights violations to book and what he deemed to be the AU way of conflict resolution in regards to Libya.

The speech, though well delivered in a very challenging manner, leaves Zimbabweans scattered all over the world baffled and confused, most who migrated from Zimbabwe for the sole reason of gross violation of human rights.

Mr Mugabe pointed out the abuse of chapter VII of the UN charter by NATO for sectional interests. While I do not dispute the contents of this speech what I find appalling is the state of lawlessness in Zimbabwe where the law is selectively applied to suit certain interests of one Party and it is done so openly so much that people are either subdued to just go with what is there or alternatively flee to other countries for dear life.

Having a very good grasp of these Chapters, Laws, Acts and Charters does not surely lead to effective implementation, as long as its not within one’s interests. This could be the message portrayed by the speaker, one is bound to conclude. Is it a case of ,’To know a thief one must be a master in stealing tactics as well’ ( muzivi wenzira yeparuware ndiye mufambi wayo)?

And to know that leaders selectively apply Internationally recognised human rights Laws and get away with it is just but heart wrenching. One is bound to conclude that its a scenario of ‘ Do as I say and not as I do’. All the dispersed people of Zimbabwe are bound to feel betrayed by Leaders who after all know that Laws should be interpreted as is and not to benefit implementers themselves at the mercy of their followers.

One wonders , in the wildest of all dreams, if the speech deliverer would be spared if the UN effectively implemented the same chapter invoking Articles 41 and 42, with GUKURAHUNDI in mind and mass murders of innocent Zimbabweans since 2002 up to date, homes are burnt, people tortured. Who will be the last man standing?

Its easier to notice a speck in another man’s eye but totally ignore a log in the eye of the beholder. Condemning others to the ICC and forgetting one’s own fate is easy, one can conclude.

If Mr. Mugabe is in favour of AU proposal on Libya for ceasefire and peaceful deliberations would it be a far cry to ask for the same to be done for Zimbabwe’s case? Would GNU be a reality and not just for academic purposes on paper? Instead of many Zimbabweans fleeing for their lives this principle could be initiated and all Political Parties and their membership allowed freedom and fairness. Then when such speeches are delivered, we Zimbabweans, in all honesty, can then applaud.

Zimbabwe is burning and its leaders have proved that they have enough water to quench world fires ignoring their own. They say Charity begins at home. It is duly expected to put one’s house in order first then tackle the world in such a way. Leaders should deliver speeches that are reflective of their own deeds and not vice versa.

Viola Chisvo, is the MDC Portfolio Secretary for Education in the UK and Ireland