US Senator in blistering attack on Mbeki

MUGABE

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This is a full address to the US Senate by Senator Russell Feingold, reacting to the elections in Zimbabwe

By Russell Feingold

MR PRESIDENT, I rise to express my concern regarding the recent election in Zimbabwe, which secured sweeping powers for the ruling ZANU-PF party. These results come as no surprise. In addition to reported irregularities on voting day itself, the ruling party had waged a campaign of intimidation, coercion, and institutional manipulation well in advance of the balloting in order to ensure victory.

Last month I joined Senator McCain in writing to Secretary Rice, urging her to reaffirm the United States' commitment to supporting genuine democratic processes and institutions in that troubled country. The U.S. needs a post-election strategy in Zimbabwe for supporting civil society, encouraging respect for civil and political rights, and bolstering the forces fighting against corruption.

We also need to continue to plan for the future. Once Zimbabwe's corrupt leadership finally released its grasp on power, the country will require substantial international assistance to turn around its devastating economic decline and to rebuild institutions, such as the once-independent judiciary, so that the rule of law can be effectively restored. Too many Zimbabwean youths have been traumatized, pressed into service in brutal pro-ruling party militia forces, enduring serious abuse and then often becoming abusers themselves. These young men and women, too, will need support and assistance to find their way back on a path toward the futures they once dreamed of as children.

"South Africa's leadership has chosen, time and again, to sweep repression and abuse in Zimbabwe under the rug and to lend support to a bullying President"

SENATOR FEINGOLD

I hope that soon the people of Zimbabwe will be given a chance to freely express their will in a genuine democratic process that is free from manipulation, intimidation, and coercion. As we prepare ourselves to be good partners to the people of Zimbabwe when change finally does come, we must also take a hard look at the disappointing passivity of leaders in many southern African states who have failed to speak and act in support of basic human rights and the rule of law in their own neighborhood.

These decisions raise real doubts about the commitment of these regional leaders to democracy, and over the long term, these failures threaten the prospects for stability and prosperity throughout the region. South Africa, with its painful history, its tremendous promise, and its special moral authority, might have been a powerful protector of the rights of the people of Zimbabwe.

Instead, South Africa's leadership has chosen, time and again, to sweep repression and abuse in Zimbabwe under the rug and to lend support to a bullying President who would rather destroy his own country than accept the rule of law and let real power rest with the Zimbabwean people. This South African choice is perhaps one of the greatest disappointments of all.

The people of Zimbabwe have suffered through years of economic and political catastrophe. Those of us who have watched this decline feel tremendous frustration and real sadness as we observe what has happened to their country. But we must not surrender to hopelessness, and we must not give up. I continue to be deeply moved by the bravery and patriotism of Zimbabwean citizens who resist the state's repression, even at enormous personal cost. The United States must remain committed to working with them to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe succeed in their fight for freedom and genuine democracy.

I yield the floor.
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