Mandela condemns Zimbabwe's 'tragic failure of leadership'

Robert Mugabe was more isolated than ever today after Nelson Mandela condemned the “tragic failure of leadership” in Zimbabwe.

As weeks of political violence seemed to guarantee the Zimbabwean president’s re-election tomorrow, Mr Mandela finally broke his silence on the crisis unfolding in the southern African country.

His intervention, made during a speech in London last night, follows criticism of the former South African president for failing to speak out against Mr Mugabe.

It came as Britain stripped the Zimbabwean leader of his honorary knighthood over his “abuse of human rights” and “abject disregard” for democracy.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also cancelled Zimbabwe’s tour of the UK next year after demands from ministers.

Mr Mandela’s unprecedented – and brief – foray into Zimbabwean politics came during a fundraising dinner in London last night to celebrate his 90th birthday.

“Nearer to home we had seen the outbreak of violence against fellow Africans in our own country and the tragic failure of leadership in our neighbouring Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Mandela’s comments come after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew at the weekend from tomorrow’s presidential election run-off.

He said he could not ask supporters to put their lives at risk by voting for him, amid spiralling political violence.

Meanwhile, the Queen of England has now approved the annulment of Mr Mugabe’s knighthood on the recommendation of British Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

A British Foreign Office spokesman said: “This action has been taken as a mark of revulsion at the abuse of human rights and abject disregard for the democratic process in Zimbabwe over which President Mugabe has presided.”