Madam, - I notice that President Bush and Prime Minister Blair are not rushing to the aid of the unfortunate people of Zimbabwe who are suffering so much under the tyranny of that megalomaniac thug Robert Mugabe. Here is a man who reduced his people to starvation and his country to utter ruin. Inflation rates in Zimbabwe are the highest in the world. The country's health, transport and educational system are in chaos. The Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo, Pius Ncube, has said that Mugabe must be held accountable for the food shortages. "Mugabe is so hungry for power that he is ready to starve his own people", he said. The archbishop's life is in constant danger.
There is no criticism of Mugabe's corruption and tyranny from the leaders of the African countries. Why? Have we heard one word from President Mbeki of South Africa or, indeed, Nelson Mandela? Mugabe's police have beaten up Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change. One member of MDC was shot dead and scores were arrested and nobody seems to really care.
Once again the African countries have remained silent. Is this cowardice or complicity? Mugabe, a violent tyrant, is simply allowed to get away with it. The entire world should shun this monster and express its condemnation in no uncertain terms. He is another Idi Amin. It is so sad to see what has become of Zimbabwe and its unfortunate people. I believe the leaders of the other African countries have a lot to answer for because of their failure to condemn this evil man and his corrupt regime. - Yours, etc,
ANTHONY REDMOND, North Great George's Street, Dublin 1.