The Hindu : African leaders fall in line

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 21, 2002

International

International

African leaders fall in line

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON MARCH 20 . The Commonwealth has survived fears of a racial divide by agreeing, in a last-minute compromise, to suspend Zimbabwe from its decision-making bodies for one year following allegations of large-scale rigging in the recent Presidential elections that saw Robert Mugabe return to power for a record fifth term.

The decision, announced here late on Tuesday, came after intense speculation that the 54-member group of former British colonies was divided along racial lines with black member-States, particularly South Africa, opposing calls from Britain and other nations for tough action against Harare. It is believed that South Africa, which was part of a Commonwealth troika that finally decided on suspension, resisted the move until the end but some behind-the-scenes arms twisting by Britain forced Thabo Mbeki to give in.

Besides Mr. Mbeki, the troika comprised the Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo and the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, who played a key role in clinching the issue. Unnamed British officials were quoted as praising him for "playing the blinder" in breaking down the resistance from the two African leaders. Apparently what forced them to relent was a "veiled warning" that a £50 billion economic development plan for Africa to be funded by the West could be at risk if Mr. Mugabe was allowed to get away with what Britain believes was a "stolen" election. A telephone call by the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair to Mr. Mbeki added to the pressure on himThe hands of the two African leaders were also forced by Mr. Mugabe's refusal to agree to a compromise deal under which he could form a government of national unity with the Opposition Movement for Democratic Change in return for a clean chit from the Commonwealth. His continued belligerence left them with no option but to act on the Commonwealth observers' damning report on the manner in which the elections were held. The report said the conditions in Zimbabwe "did not adequately allow for a free expression of will by the electors".

The troika, in a joint statement after a four-hour heated discussion here on Tuesday, said it "deemed these conclusions... to be an adverse reflection on the electoral process, requiring an appropriate Commonwealth response". And the "response" was a one-year suspension of Zimbabwe with immediate effect, to be reviewed "in twelve months' time having regard to progress in Zimbabwe based on the Commonwealth Harare principles and reports from the Commonwealth Secretary-General".

Pakistan is the only other country which is currently suspended. The statement said the Commonwealth would continue its efforts to promote political reconciliation in Zimbabwe and address issues relating to the country's economic problems, most crucially the issue of land distribution.

The decision, seen as a "blow" to Mr. Mugabe, was welcomed by the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, who said the Commonwealth had "spoken with one voice". Mr. Howard said it had vindicated Commonwealth's "credibility". "I would like to see free, fair and totally democratic elections held as soon as possible," he said amid confusion whether the Commonwealth continued to regard Mr. Mugabe as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe.

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