Mugabe's Bloody Path to Victory in Zimbabwe

The Washington Post probes a campaign of intimidation
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 5, 2008 12:25 PM CDT
Mugabe's Bloody Path to Victory in Zimbabwe
Burnt huts are seen at a farm north of Harare, Friday, April, 11, 2008. Huts were burnt when Zanu-PF militia invaded the farm and accused workers of being supporters of the main opposition party.    (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

When Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, first learned he’d lost his March bid for re-election, he told supporters he’d concede–but they wouldn’t listen. Instead, Mugabe agreed to let the army swing the vote in his favor. Thus began a campaign of violent intimidation that ultimately forced his opponent to drop out. Using meeting notes and witness reports, the Washington Post describes the brutality.

Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party began by establishing 2,000 militia bases around Zimbabwe. It launched its first major attack May 5, with 200 party supporters charging through the streets of a small town that had voted for the opposition. Seven were left dead as others faced beatings and mutilation. Such attacks continued through the country, moving southward and killing opposition supporters as the Zanu-PF predicted a landslide victory. (More Zimbabwe stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X