I'd like to bring more attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. The UN has just released estimates that there have been 60,000 cases of cholera, and over 2,800 people have died from this curable condition. Instead of acting to help his people, the Mugabe regime has sent police to clear teaching hospitals, shut off water for months, and has refused to address the mass starvation of his people. Earlier in the year, he refused to admit defeat in the general election. Instead, he has said "I will never, never never surrender...Zimbabwe is mine." Now Zimbabwe is plagued with cholera, anthrax, and pellagra.
Over 4 million Zimbabweans have tried to escape to South Africa. However, on the way countless women and children have been robbed and raped by "gumagumas," and life in Musina, where most of the refugees have settled for now, is not much better than what they have escaped.
Please make an effort to learn about the horrific situation in Zimbabwe by reading a few of the articles I've included below:
Zimbabwe: 'If Cholera Doesn't, Hunger Will Finish Us' (allAfrica.com, 12/8/08)
In Zimbabwe, a Cancer Called Mugabe (Washington Post, 1/8/09)
Desperate Children Flee Zimbabwe, for Lives Just as Bleak (NY Times, 1/23/09)
Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic could top 60,000 cases, UN says (Telegraph, 1/24/09)
If you are able, consider donating to two organizations who have taken the lead in dealing with this disaster:
Spread the word about the situation in Zimbabwe -- the media certainly isn't doing a good enough job.
Be well,
Alex
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