"Unity Government"

MDC, the main opposition in Zimbabwe has finally agreed to join a unity government with Mugabe and Zanu PF. After months of resisting, Morgan Tsvangirai and his party finally agreed to try and move forward with a united government. It's hard to say how unified a government can be formed and work effectively when one side has been tortured, beaten and even killed by the other. I commend the opposition on this "leap of faith" to try and put an end to the immense suffering endured by the people of Zimbabwe. Now the world will have to wait and see if Mugabe can put aside his need for power and put Zimbabweans first to try and work out of this black hole of a mess. Hopefully it is a step forward and not two steps back. In the meantime 3100 have died from cholera and cases have topped 60,000. The government has all but adandoned the local currency, with an annoucement from The Zimbabwean acting finance minister Patrick Chinamasa has allowed Zimbabweans to conduct business in other currencies, as the local currency continues to inflate at an alarming rate.(BBC)

Solidarity for Zimbabwe

Once again SADC has not been able to come to a viable solution for Zimbabwe. I am not sure I quite understand the reason SADC leaders are afraid or refuse to pressure Mugabe about the fact that 1. He lost the election and is running an illegitimate government and 2. Hundreds and thousands of people are dying due to his dictatorship. Today reports ran that unemployment in Zimbabwe stood around 94% - the number is so unfathomable to me..but things are DESPERATE. It is time for the Zimbabwe people to show where they stand on the matter, and there needs to be a call to the masses to protest this inexplicable brutality that has been put on them by their "leader". This Sunday there will be a one day global solidarity fast -(from sun up to sun down)- the more of us that fast the stronger the call for justice and democracy. This is one day for us to do something and show that this kind of injustice cannot go on and will be not be tolerated, please join the fast and show your support for the Zimbabwean people.

The pledge:

We, the undersigned, pledge to fast for a day in solidarity with the Zimbabwean people. We call on leaders throughout Africa—and the world—to act now to decisively support their struggle for justice, democracy, and survival.

2009 - More woes for Zimbabwean

2009 has started off to a rough start for many with the economy, but in Zimbabwe it's not about extra cash or keeping the house it's about not starving to death and avoiding brutal treatment from the regime. Today there are reports that cholera has claimed up to 3000 deaths and shows no signs of slowing down. In the meantime "talks" are being held between MDC and Mugabe at the SADC regional meeting. There still remains to be a stalemate as Mugabe insists on holding onto power and allowing thousands die of disease and hunger. Mugabe is running an illegal government, Morgan Tsvangirai won the election - however Mugabe continues to use violence and food to intimidate Zimbabweans into submission and allow him "run" the nation, what's left of it anyway.

Ultimately a power sharing deal will not work if the current regime will not recognize what needs to be done to turn this nation around which include stepping down and allowing the person who won the election take his post as the leader of Zimbabwe. Right now it seems the best way toward positive change would be for international sanctions to force Mugabe to concede power. More pressure needs to be placed on those who continue to support or allow Mugabe and his supporters the means to live lavish lifestyles and carry out crimes against human rights at the same time. China and South Africa need to help to cut off this life line and save a nation that has suffered more than enough.

In the meantime it is refreshing to note those who continue to push for justice in Zimbabwe - Save Zimbabwe Now. The Save Zimbabwe Now initiative has selected a relay fast as the first campaign to mobilise regional public awareness and build pressure on SADC governments to influence the Zimbabwean state to restore dignity, human and democratic rights to its people.

Join the movement to show your solidarity to the people of Zimbabwe.