suffering continues in zimbabwe

The events that have occurred and are occurring in the country of Zimbabwe make my heart ache for our brothers and sisters there. The situation is deteriating daily, and as always, the people that are being hit the hardest are the poor. However the poor are not the only ones in Zimbabwean society who are fighting for survival. Teachers, business people, and vendors are also among the ones forced to scrounge for food and water, the basic necessities of life. In reality, only a small population of Zimbabweans are not influenced by the hardships going on in the country, which shows how dangerous of a situation this is. It is difficult to obtain specific numbers, yet it is well known that a cholera epidemic has been spreading and is gaining momentum. Thousands of cases have been reported with nearly just as many deaths. Other significant issues contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe include a severe lack of food and water, strikes by doctors and nurses, aggressive behavior toward civilians by the military and police, and a lack of electricity and power. These issues are quite substantial and are literally contributing to the deaths of many. Speculation and debate within the international community continues over the root of this crisis and what steps need to be taken, however many leaders and institutions agree that what is happening there is directly related to the inefficiency of the Zimbabwean government. Ultimately, the administration is completely neglecting its people, which is unacceptable. It will be interesting to see what the international community, especially nations within the region decide to do in response to the suffering happening in Zimbabwe. Recently Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe must be ousted, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that Mr. Mugabe's failed state is no longer willing or capable of protecting its own people, therefore more aid will be needed in the short term. One issue that must be addressed within the international community is what action to take when a state actor is ignoring the needs of its' people. Considering the country's sovereignty is something leaders must do, as well as discovering what level of interference is necessary without creating further chaos. In modern times, developing an appropriate action plan towards humanitarian issues where the government in that country is unwilling or incapable of helping its people, has not been completed, nor has it been a priority. This is something the international community must address though, because people are dying and little is done to alleviate such suffering. It is becoming more and more obvious that the suffering experienced by the Zimbabwean people is largely due to the administration's lack of action and poor policy and therefore a change in government leadership must occur. I do not believe military intervention should be used, however I do firmly believe that the beginning of restoration in Zimbabwe must involve the removal of Mr. Mugabe. Until that time comes, we must continue to pray for our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters, and vocalize what is happening in that country. This is a humanitarian crisis of the greatest proportions, and this injustice must be resolved.

Source: BBC News