Zimbabwe in crisis - Relentless tyranny

The 12.75m residents of Zimbabwe edged ever closer to a crisis point yesterday after Robert Mugabe dismissed allegations of fraud in the country’s presidential election.

Mr Mugabe, a defiant 89, who has ruled the former British colony for 33 years, routinely faces charges of corruption and breaches of human rights legislation. Unfortunately for that county’s citizens, he has come to epitomise the post-colonial strongman — a combination of dictator, crook, and charlatan. Unsurprisingly, he and his supporters are determined to cling to power.

The EU and US have expressed concerns over the election’s integrity and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has said he will challenge the result in the courts. All of this has a familiar ring to it, not just for the people of Zimbabwe. Sadly it shows the impotence of the international community in the face of a determined and relentless tyrant.