Update to the China to Zimbabwe Arms Controversy

In April of this year there was an Arms row. After the Highly Controversial initial round of Elections in Zimbabwe it was determined that a runoff was necessary. A Second round of Elections

was determined to be necessary between President Mugabe and the Opposition Candidate Morgan Tsvangiari.

Before that Election could be held at the end of July It was revealed that the Zimbabwean Defense Forces ordered a large shipment of Arms from the People's Republic of China. The Government of Zimbabwe was within its Rights to make such a purchase but the timing of the order which was placed within days after the initial poll was troubling. According to UN Documents the Arms were Transferred on August 20th and 22nd.

An Effort to deliver the Arms to the Country via Sea and Land failed. Trade Unionists from Southern African Countries were unwilling to unload its Deadly Cargo. Then in a move which surprised many people President Bush ordered All US Intelligence Services to locate this ship and to assist those working to prevent the Arms from being unloaded. The Ship was then forced to return to China.

But this wasn't the last act in this little Drama. Shortly before the Christmas Holiday the UN released a Report which Stated that it had evidence that the Arms were shipped to Zimbabwe via both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This act in itself is not a major surprise.

China has close relations with All Three Nations. It is a Key Supporter of Sudan in United Nations during the long-going row over the Darfur Situation. The Country has also made a substantial investment in the Congo despite the insurgency that continues to plague the Eastern Part of the Country. And For Years China has been a key Supporter of the Ruling ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe.

Currently the Situations within Both Zimbabwe and the Congo show no sign of being resolved anytime soon. The UN has been taking crucial steps to strengthen its mandate in the Congo to prevent a regional war from breaking out. In Contrast the situation in Zimbabwe could be reaching a climax.

In Recent Months over 1,100 people have perished during a Cholera Outbreak. Add this to the Failure to implement a Power Sharing Deal that was signed in September and they are a reason for the increase in Tensions. There have been Allegations that both Zambia and Botswana are preparing to intervene and restore order.

Whether or Not Regional Military Action is Taken or the Power Sharing Accord is implemented it is imperative that a positive step occurs within Zimbabwe. At this time several report have indicated that Zimbabwe is at risk of turning into another Somalia. This is something that Africa Cannot Afford.

The Author publishes Confused Eagle on the Internet and Comments on US policy towards Africa. Confused Eagle is found at morganrights.tripod.com