via Obama strikes back at Mugabe – DailyNews Live by Bridget Mananavire 5 OCTOBER 2013
US President Barack Obama’s administration says it is ready to add more names to the sanctions list, after President Robert Mugabe rubbished the nation at the recent United Nations General Assembly.
Mugabe, who during the 8th Parliament official opening pledged to mend relations with “detractors”, rebuked the US, Britain “and her allies,” for sanctions, a move that prompted the US delegation to walk out on his speech in disgust.
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Thursday said US sanctions on Zimbabwe would continue on both companies and individuals, though she could not give a time-frame.
“We will be reviewing those sanctions on a regular basis, and if there are additional individuals who should be sanctioned, we are prepared to add them to our sanctions list,” she said in a LiveAtState teleconference with international media.
“And if there are people who we think can be removed from the sanctions list, we will remove them,” she said.
Thomas-Greenfield added that Washington was disappointed with the conduct of the July 31 elections.
“While it was violence-free, we’re not convinced it provided an opportunity for all Zimbabweans to express their views in the election. And again, we will be reviewing our sanctions in light of that,” she said.
The European Union last month lifted sanctions on the government diamond body Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation as it “begun the process of delisting”, despite raising concerns of election irregularities.
Mugabe was re-elected to serve for the seventh term in a disputed election that was a major yardstick in defining future relations with Western countries which soured over a decade ago.
Zanu PF has blamed sanctions imposed on its party officials and linked businesses, for the country’s current economic woes.
The party claims an estimated $42 billion is said to have been “robbed” from Zimbabwe by sanctions.
Mugabe told the UN General Assembly that sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and the European Union violated fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter on state sovereignty and non-interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state.
Saying “shame” thrice to the US, Britain and its allies, Mugabe ordered them to remove sanctions he deemed “illegal and filthy from his “peaceful country”.
He said if the sanctions had been intended to effect regime change, they had failed.
Relations between Zimbabwe and Western countries have been sour for over a decade with Mugabe and his Zanu PF associates being banned from stepping foot on Western territory.
Despite claims that the current US government shutdown will affect its Africa investments and funding, Thomas-Greenfield said the US will continue its operations in Africa uninterrupted.
“The State Department and USAid are major funders on the continent of Africa and because of that, we are able to continue operations, albeit sometimes at lower levels as we move forward,” she said.
“But most of our funding right now is 2013 funding and that funding will continue.
“We’re hoping that this is short-lived and we will be able to move forward, but I think most of you will not see any difference in what we’re doing in Africa on the development front or on the investment front,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
COMMENTS
YES!
Its about time that President Obama made a stand on the tin-pot dictator that is Bob Mugabe.
I remember Bob’s fawning congratulations when Obama was elected.
This was obviously and understandably not reciprocated.
The US interest in Africa is minimal, but…
Well done Mr. President!
President Obama, please don’t be fooled by this arrogant,brutal dictator. Mobilise other world leaders and get rid of this African monster. He is worse than any evil dictator the world has ever seen. Hang him as it happened with Saddam.
Loud and clear,Africa is colonized through funds, As long as we are beggars freedom will never be posible.
Tell me why the Westerners gave their own tribal names to our own locations, first names, [like Robert] desires and ideologies, discovered Zimbabwe ruins and Victoria Falls
The issue of colonialism is a rhetoric and lamb excuse. Your uncle Mugabe and his cronies own in excess of 39 farms each. Is that not money enough. Where did they get this money from? Was it the colonisers who gave the money? Or is it not a fact that Mugabe and his close friends have decided to colonise the colonised. Stop defending the indefensible. Our country is ruled by dogs that are prepared to thew even the hardest borne.
Joseph, Africa should be the richest continent on the planet! She doesn’t need “Colonial Funds”. She just needs honest government!
We now have that education that we can run our own territories well. All we need is that management with the help of politicians. The biggest problem is the corrupt politicians. How do we do away with them so that we, learned population can start performing rationally?
Those who brought money to Africa still own it and they know how to manipulate the economy of any african country,so that it looks as if African leaders are dishonest and incapable, WAKE UP AFRICA! AFRICA WAKE UP!
Pray dear sir …what African leaders have been honest? What African leaders have led their countries democratically and freely without bringing the country to its knees? The above passage states that “the Party” The party claims an estimated $42 billion is said to have been “robbed” from Zimbabwe by sanctions. This $42Billion is what is in the bank accounts of zanupf individuals!! The sanctions are “targeted” sanctions against individuals NOT against the people of Zimbabwe!! Even General Majurus estate was estimated at $11 billion. Dear Joseph, pray – tell us your thoughts, how did these gentle people get all this money? IF THEY DID NOT STEAL IT!!!
Joseph: You cannot really believe such rubbish. To disprove your weak theory, just look at other ex colonies around the world such as Singapore, India, Hong Kong and Malaysia. All have done very well through good management on their own. It is time that Africans started to honestly look at themselves, and ask why they are failing. It’s no good blaming others for your own failings.
I do agree with your last comment though: Wake up Africa!
Wake up and start to run your own affairs efficiently without greed and corruption in senior government!
Dear Joseph, the time for cheap political slogans in Africa is over. These utterances that have no substance but sound good should be shelved. Africa needs to start to show some maturity if it is to survive. Maturity so its people stop jumping on overcrowded boats and dying unnecessarily. Maturity so its people become educated and develop their way out of poverty.
Joseph, you have to be a real clot.I think you are one of those people that no one wants to debate with because they could end up being labelled “CLOT” as well.
How many farms did Mugabe give you,your btothers and sisters, cousins,anties,grandmother and grandfather? We will come back and reclaim our stolen property. If it means killing you, so be it.
Obama these sanctions are already our daily food. Please stop mumbling about them!
Mugabe should lead by implimenting policies that bring meaningful results, follow the example of those leaders that have achieved or simply get out of the way if he doesn’t have what it takes.
Absolute delusional. Definition of delusional. Unshakable belief. So do not try and convince Joseph or any of his ilk. They are all cooked and should see a psychiatrist for some very strong muti and I am being very serious here. They have been hoodwinked in believing that whatever Bob utters is gospel. Truly unbelievable when anyone and everyone can see the results. Misery poverty retrogressive standard of living I could go on
Please keep yo filthy money. We are a nation that can be able to sustain ourselves. Let us do what is best for us without outside influence. Obama has problems with a huge debt and government shut down. He should focus on his country and reopen the Federal government. Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans not Americans. Keep your dirty aid.
So if u want to keep yo zimbabwe whyb is Mugabe crying for the sanctions to be lifted. you are contradicting yourse. Mugabe and other African leaders are dictators SIMPLE. The problem is Mugabe and his cronies are running Zimbabwe as a personal property.And he knows that he is fighting a war with the west which he will never win. He is a disgrace to all democractic Zimbabweans.
Joseph, you have to be a real clot.I think you are one of those people that no one wants to debate with because they could end up being labelled “CLOT” as well.
Nesbert majoni you are a disgrace. Obama is crying about more sanctions on Zimbabwe, why cant he focus with his america which he is failing. Now there is an ecomic shutdown for america and these are only the beginnings of his problems, more are to come!
Fungai…Ngwazi
Don’t be an idiot…he can just do the same thing at the same time. Did you hear those things from obamas mouth, people have their roles in government, and there is someone in the obama administration responsible for foreign politics and his job is just to do such things and there is someone responsible for the finance. Chere kwakaita hondo kuAmerica kana nzara inotsviridza munhu umwe nemumwe ane basa rake. Uyo ane basa rekutuka vaMugabe anongoriita zvisinei nekuti kunze kunei. Kwete kuda kuwawata nhema. Call a spade a spade and stop hiding behind silly reasons.
Go and tell the poor poor hungry people in the Binga area this when they no longer get US Aid food. My word!
Heartless towards your own poorest. You have to be CIO!
That is not true that we can sustain our selves. We are here where we are because of that same un reasonable political thought. Let us change our minds and accept our inabilities and ask for rational help to remedy our ills, while helpers are still amiable.
The USA has plenty of problems to wrestle with. They don’t have time to deal with some angry old man who bites the hand that feeds him. The US is the single largest supporter of the people of Zimbabwe. What did Mugabe expect when he stands up at the United Nations and says “shame, shame shame,” without any trace of irony over his own sins? His stolen elections? The human rights violations and the mass murders? His own people starving while he and his ZANU-PF government gobble up all the country’s resources? As another poster pointed out, Mugabe is mad, not because he must deal with nuclear proliferation, or terrorists, or keeping the largest economy in the world running – but rather, he’s pissed because Dis-Grace can’t buy g-strings at Victoria’s Secret! Ha, Ha!
He’s an angry old man who doesn’t want anyone else to be happy unless he is… and he’s not and never will be.
Mugabe and company were of the idea that once SADC and Africa union say the elections were violence free the west will jump and congratulate him like his fellow African leaders did.How can that happen when its as clear that the elections were stolen. Mr Mugabe if you want that just allow free and fair elections in the country and if you win then you will reengage with the west. As of now you are going to remain a pariah regime till you die.
USA will never remove sanctions untill their partners get into power. Thats democracy for you. So we have these sanctions for life because their partners are unlikely to assume poor in the foreseeable future. Sanctions are not a form of democratic process especially if they are not supported by un. Its a form of spiteful arm twisting move that is not far from oppression which is why they normally fail to achieve the intended outcome. They are more of a personal feeling than legitimate so dream on fellas. Sanctions on zim will only serve one purpose as i see it. The demise of MDC, dominance of zanu and probably a coming up of a new political party.
I am so sory for Hovhiyo Shindi and Hitler they are hypocrites like their leader they say to hell wth Usd when their bank accounts are full of Usd .why cant they use Yuan from China their Darling.Guys can u honestly tell the World and practice what u Preach
Good idea, pay in colonial currency, use zingzongs
Sanctions,sanctions,sanctions! What sanctions!!! Only a few targeted restrictions on certain individuals and companies for human rights violations,nxaa…there z no such thing,if anybody stil belives in this sanctions riddim,go back to grade 1!!! I neva knu der culd be pep who stl beliv such bt um! Im surprzd,cant u see kuty its only a way so that u cant see gross economy mismanagent;;;;;oky,lets debate like this….does any1 rememba Smith,yes! Mufesi uya uya aka declare UDI ,1965,do u know kuty he was under sanctions by e whole world except SA and look what he did,he and his admistration!!such dat by 1980,Zim dollar was stronger dan e US and equivqlent to the pound,(ohh! I hope u got it),bt now bcoz of these restrictns,we r made to belive kuty its bcoz of e west! NONSENSE!!! Dey will neva agree kuty they are failures,its disturbing u know!! Very disturbing…
Well said…this may interest you..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0stJkUWUyM
Plea to Mr. Obama and all future presidents of USA.Do not ever allow Mugabe, his wife or any of his co-thieves to spend our stolen money in your country.
Yup. I agree with that!
In the first place, we will not even allow them come in our country. We suggest that they try North Korea. and Zambia.
its good for people to go read the ZEDERA for themselves before commenting using what you hear other people saying who have biased views. As zimbabweans and africans lets learn to make our own informed opinions by looking for the facts. Be the judge does ZEDERA affect mugabe or the people of Zimbabwe? Read the act http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe_Democracy_and_Economic_Recovery_Act_of_2001
Thanx Thandi for educating those Obama-booty-lickers. ZIDERA doesn’t mention Mugabe but Zimbabwe. Listen to this one aim of ZIDERA and see who is being targetted:
‘All U.S. executive directors of international financial institution to “oppose and vote against” any extension of any loan credit, or guarantee to the Government of Zimbabwe.’
Have you always been an idiot, or did you just “evolve” that way?
Zondi usapusiswe iwe, they vote against any loan to Zimbabwe because if that loan comes to Zimbabwe, will it be for the people of Zimbabwe or a few in government. When this loan comes, they will build a road, float a tender and give it to Chombo, who will put a high price and squander the money at our own peril. Or they will build a Military College. Will you give such a government money or trade with its companies when you know it won’t benefit Zimbabwe. Wake UP!!!
So, Thandi, ZIDERA is responsible for Mugabe’s surrendering of our national resources to the Chinese? Where is the diamond income going? What of the plunder of war victims compensation fund and the sending of our army to the DRC? What do you think this did to a struggling economy? Why are you obsessed with the US when we have friends in the East?
I suppose you also believe ZIDERA is the reason why our new farmers are failing to feed the nation.
The day Africans wake up to the fact that African leaders are the ones responsible for our plight just as other economies hold their leaders accountable is the day when Africa will actual start to make progress.
Joseph— which currency does Zimbabwe use and why?
All the world leaders belong to secret societies like freemasonry or the roman catholic jesuit order which are pushing the world towards a New World Order.All these wars,sanctions and crises in the world are sponsored by the banking elite worldwide e.g the BILDERBERGERS and many more.In public the OBAMAS and the MUGABES are enemies but in secret they plan these calamities together so that the public stays deceived and stupid and governable.There are plans underway to crash the global economy which is necessary to bring one world government.We have the evidence but these goons control the media and all the info that reaches the people globally thereby successfully programming the peoples of the world to think in a particular such as makes it virtually impossible to see what really is going on in the world.HUMANITY IS TRAPPED BY THESE ELITE PEOPLE .WAKE UP HUMANITY.I RECOMMEND A BOOK CALLED the ECONOMIC HITMAN AND ENROUTE TO GLOBAL OCCUPATION BY GARY H CARR among others.think global
Mugabe was educated by Jesuits…..
Of course he was. Where else do you think he learned how to think like Machiavelli?
What had happened for Mdc to be formed?did sanctions or Zidera cme before Esap? Look frm Esap then blame Sanctions .the country was already broke b4 sanctions its a scapegot these guys steel.whn workers were crying fo a living wage Mugabe said Form yr own party.the party ws formed and they nw put blame on Mdc they fail to handle opposition hence they found thmselves alwys on the defensive Whn can they Move foward????
Thandi and Zondi, I’ve read ZIDERA twice, it’s a very long document, and I still don’t see how it has any effect on the Zimbabwe economy. I’d like to refer to the part that you’ve excerpted above. Can you please tell me how many time the US has actually done what the law proscribes? You can’t, because the answer zero. The US has never actually voted to deny Zimbabwe access to international credit because Zimbabwe cannot begin to do so until it resumes the payments that Mugabe stopped making well before ZIDERA was ever written. SO in a bit of revisionist thinking, which Mugabe loves to do, his argument is essentially, “My country is failing, not because of my actions, nor because others have actually done anything to harm the economy, but because others do not like us.” What a petulant crybaby. “They won’t let me shop in their country and for that reason my country is a failure!”
Nice one!
What has happened to Africa’s most literate populace – the grammer,spelling and syntax from Africason and T plus is a sight to behold! That said –
That visual of Dis-Grace in a Victoria Secret thong almost made me gag – fat, cellulite ass and all!
Without USA, UK and EU food aid Zimbabwe would be on it’s knees.
Not to mention education, health, culture and other areas that the UK and USA fund, including the Diaspora.
Bottom line – Mugger Mugarbage MUST GO and soon!
You’ve got MY vote on that!
In my capacity as an indiviidual, l would like to call upon the united states of america admiinistration to kindly remove sunctions whiich affects innocent children of the almighty before he harshly descend on obama. God is for us all. Maybe the politicians have bad approach on you, pliz take my hint.
Wow Chivulamapoti all l hear you saying is rubbish, We do not need any american aid. Stop tarnishing our rightful image.
We will never be ruled by Outsiders. A good leader will never leave his sheep alone even if there comes a lion.
The Bible says so
Each and every Leader is given chance to rule God the Creator of the Universe.
A God leader is the one who always stand by the Truth
Let it be done according to the Bible.
What ever you Comment Please do so According to the Bible
aMEN
Proudly Ndebele:
The West does not want to recolonize Zim or anywhere else. The West just wants to see really fair elections, ie real democracy, and would like to see the country and her people prosper, and would like to trade with Zim on a fair and equal basis. That is all! But for that to happen, Zanu-pf would have to be prepared to lose power, and with it, all the ill gotten gains that they have taken for granted with power. The Bible says do not steal, do not murder, not to be deceitful, not to lie, and many more things that Mugabe has done. So if you want to quote the Bible, you had better ask Mugabe to adhere to it’s rules before quoting it here to us.
Proudly Ndebele, I am surprised you are not aware we are already being ruled by China. Wake up!
I must be very dumb guys, I donot see how one can give title Obama strikes back” . There is nothing on that note, just states the obvious, add sanctions and also remove sanctions period. Please help me here. With all respect to Obama and RG Mugabe, please lets debate as per the contents of the article.
Twalumba. Poor man from Binga.
What are you saying?
Africanson, are you also one of those people we CIO. The civilian is powerless against the person that yields the gun. If we are rigged, oppressed by a leader in this case our president, Zimbabweans are so peaceful that the few that try to demonstrate will be quashed by the ruthless riot police. You expect world powers to just sit and do nothing. Sanctions are some of the methods they use. I see no point in America allowing its companies to deal with ZMDC or any of those companies on the sanctions list yeZIDERA when the proceeds won’t trickle down to ordinary Zimbabweans but end up in the pockets of a few elite. To allow bad earned money to be given to Steven Majocha who is not on the Sanctions list so that he can put it in his account on behalf of Obert Mpofu on the sanctions list so that he can do a money transfer to buy a Range Rover. The solution is to bar every transfer from Zimbabwe to the US though some people will be caught in the crossfire. These sanctions are targetted and there are cases when the ordinary person suffers but those cases are few!!! Musada kuti nyepera.
Honest leaders from where, america yes it add or subtract who cares. When they imposed the so called targeted to did they consult us, no so they may do whatever they think is good for nobody cares. All of them were there when they were being shouted at but could not make any comment. Shame on them. Ndanyara chose.
there is no democracy anywhere in the world look at the USA for example the REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ARE ALL FUNDED BY GLOBAL CAPITALISTS SO WHOMEVER YOU VOTE FOR STILL PUSHES THE AGENDA OF THE CAPITALISTS WHILST THE PEOPLE ARE MADE TO BELEIVE THAT THEIR VOTES COUNT.Same story across the globe you must check the logos of the political parties they speak volumes about their affilliation and the leaders.Recently Tsvangirai was given a medal by the FREEMASONRY FRATENITY BIG CAPITALISTS PUSHING FOR A NEW WORLD ORDER.DID YOU ALSO KNOW THAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF AMERICA WHICH GIVES CREDIT TO THE USA GOVERNMENT IS A PRIVATE INSTITUTION OWNED BY A FEW FAMILIES the likes of JP MORGAN,PAUL WARBURG,ROCKERFELLER AND THE ROTHSCHILDS.THESE ARE THE TRUE MASTERS NOT OBAMA THEY CAN CRUSH THE US ECONOMY EASLY AND SUBSEQUENYLY THE WHOLE WORLD BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE POWER TO ISSUE CURRENCY.WAKE UP PEOPLE AND INVESTIGATE ON YOUR OWN.IF YOU ARE USING MAINSTREM MEDIA TO MAKE DECISIONS TOUGH LUCK BECAUSE THEY ALSO OWN THESE BIG NEWS CORPORATIONS.
Interesting fact. Mugabe and his zanoids have been in power almost a third of the time the British were in control. In that time of 33 years he has managed to take our country back to the 1950’s. Now that’s an achievement that even the zanoids cannot deny. In another 33 years we will be in the 1900’s. Yes please this is what is called Zanoid power.
Good point Joe!
SADC and the AU are protectionist organisations steeped in historical imperatives whose main mandate are to facilitate and maintain the support of ‘revolutionery’ parties to remain at the helm of African Governments.
These same ‘revolutionery’ parties have done more looting of resources than building proper governance structures that enable sustained economic growth and sustainable livelihoods for our African people. They continue to prosecute and persecute discerning voices within labour and student movements, civil society and ardent activists.
Obama and the West are neither immune to my criticism. Their selective support of countries in Africa is selfish and imperialistic. So is their intervention with military prowess; it leaves African countries with no infrastructer in place to progress, nor do they put in place meaningful support to develop these butchered countries.
Why dont these Western countries inspire and fund programs to encourage use of our Afrcian resources to produce end products rather than the continued sale of raw materials which they are equally guilty of exploiting just as China is. Why dont they stop the brain drain that continues to date unabated?
As for Bob and his bootlicking entourage of dead wood: regai kungozhamba nekuwhanda about West this West that. You have engineered a rigged victory saka chitongai makanyarara nyika yedu inakewo. Diamonds, Platinum, Natural gases, Land, Human Capital; kozvimwe zvamuchirikuda ndezvipi Gushungo. Drive this country into a car producing nation. We want to see gold and platinum products inscribed ‘made in Zimbabwe’. Not only that, we want every Zimbo to have easy access to dorn these bling items too. Mari muhomwe dzevanhu Gushungo. We demand freeways and highways akakura asinama potholes. Itai zvematollgate asi vakaiwo ma buildings akanaka akasimba asingaite slow down traffic mumigwagwa nhai ka. Mari yacho movaka mafreeway.
Stop patronising us and create a truly good life for every Zimbabwean regardless of race, tribe, religious and political background.
I says shame, shame shame on Obama.
His the biggest fool, he must note that people and small countries are no longer afraid of the USA.
10 years without UK and the United States, so why now and what difference will that country on shut down.
Obama to hell with you go die you rubbish fake black man.
Take your money and help Kenya please leave Zimbabwe alone,sanctions by closing your American embassy in Zimbabwe.
Obama get out of Zimbabwe Please go Siyra or North Korea they waiting for you.
What a joke Shame shame shame.