Why are the African states defending Mr Mugabe?
They are only too well aware of the human rights abuses and disastrous economic policies in Zimbabwe. But because Mr Mugabe is regarded as one of the “heroes” who led his country to freedom against white rule, few African leaders dare to criticise him — and are especially reluctant if that means they are seen to be taking sides with the former white colonial powers against a black African leader. So does everyone feel comfortable with him being in Lisbon? No. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said he did not want Mr Mugabe to attend and even the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Luis Amado, said it would be preferable if he was not there. The chairman of the African Union Commission, Alpha Oumar Konare, said Mr Mugabe’s attendance was “a matter of principle” but added that it “does not mean that we support what is happening in Zimbabwe”. In other words, Europe cannot stomach him but Africa has to endure him. And until African leaders decide otherwise, Mr Mugabe will continue t
