USA For Africa…But Not Zimbabwe

Granted the fact that Americans as a general rule, including myself, do not know nearly enough about the world’s largest continent. Saying “Africa” seems to bring to mind stereotypes, prejudices and the original sin of the Constitution, slavery. My generation only mentioned Africa when they wanted to “Feed The World” through music (at Christmas time, of course) and when we crooned “USA for Africa.” Only later did I learn that, no, all Africans did not know it was Christmas- nor did they particularly care- and Ethiopians still experience hunger.

Africa has experienced so much turmoil. The nations of Africa need and deserve strong leadership. But now another African tyrant has emerged. As if Idi Amin wasn’t enough, now the world has Robert Mugabe. Another African problem. I suppose we can easily say that the problems of Africa should be solved by Africa. This makes a lot of sense. The African Union (AU) should take steps to bring peace to this troubled region. And they are, through mediator and South African President Thabo Mbeki. But Mbeki has been sharply criticized for his constant coddling of Mugabe, and the AU fell short of condemning the actions of this mad man. Botswana seems to be the only country saying what everyone around the world is thinking: Mugabe has to go.

Would the United States be hypocritical in making such a bold statement as this? Perhaps. Political critics could point to US associations with Saudi Arabia, China, and numerous third-world countries as relationships that ignore undemocratic political structures as a way to show such hypocrisy. It isn’t as if Mugabe has just recently become an autocrat. His history of political violence goes back to at least 1976. But US foreign policy is complicated, shifting and problematic. We have not lived in a perfect world for a long time. And as long as Congress and Presidents change, policy will change as well. But we should never stand idly by while people are under attack by their own leaders.

Some say violence is not enough. Well, if we need another reason, how about potential US investment being circumvented... does that give the US the reason it needs to take a stand? What about the fact that Mugabe is destabilizing the entire region? We should act. There is something rotten in Zimbabwe.

An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere. A very nice sentiment, almost elementary in its meaning. We need to act sooner rather than later. Zimbabweans are asking for US help, and we should give it. Mugabe is killing and raping his opposition. I suppose one could even say he is Saddam Hussein-ing his country. This is unacceptable.

I do not believe that we should enter into another military conflict- two or three at a time, please. But I believe we should take a stand. I am encouraged by the US introduction of UN sanctions. I hope the world takes notice. And I hope we maintain our resolve.

While numerous pop stars joining together in a remarkable attempt in the 1980s by recording songs to help those in need in Africa was encouraging, such actions today would be ridiculous. While it may have helped for a nano-second, music did not not stop hunger in Ethiopia. Music can only go so far. Perhaps that is why there have been no songs for Darfur, Congo and other troubled spots in Africa… or the world, for that matter. Singing is not enough. Let’s at least take a strong stand and tell the world that we believe Zimbabweans deserve a life free of Mugabe. And then ACT responsibly.