Nelson Mandela speaks out on his 90th birthday

I was greatly encouraged this week to hear Nelson Mandela beak his silence and condem the "tragic failure of leadership in Zimbabwe". Jacob Zuma, the south african ANC president, last week also spoke of “compelling evidence of violence, intimidation and outright terror” by Mugabe.

Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, pulled out of the presidential election race due to the violence and intimidation that was being shown to opposition supporters, who have been beaten and killed.

What can be done so that we do not witness another genocide in Africa?

The African leaders are instrumental in putting pressure on Mugabe, although only 23 of the 53 states in the African Union have democratic governments. Mandela’s successor in South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki, has said nothing as he is Mugabe’s chief supporter. Mbeki has told other African leaders that Anglo-American imperialism was attempting to overthrow Mugabe and has insisted to the world that he was involved in “quiet diplomacy” to solve the crisis. He insists that that only Africans can solve African problems.

But does this mean that we therefore sit back and do nothing? Absolutely not!

The British and the US motion at the UN security council has said that the 29th March first round of the presidential election (in which Morgan Tsvangirai won the most votes) was “the only legitimate basis” for a Zimbabwean government. Thereafter, the G8 and EU have insisted that they cannot accept Mugabe’s government as legitimate.

Tougher sanctions though are required NOW before Mugabe's henchmen brutalise, maim, rape and kill more people. What is happening in Zimbabwe right in front of our eyes is alarming and disturbing. Mugabe is destroying his own country and his own people.

- we need to apply every economic measure and political measure to isolate Mugabe completely
- we need to encourage every other nation to isolate Mugabe too
- British companies need to stop trading in Zimbabwe
- there should be global sanctions against Mugabe and his illigitimate and dangerous regime
- we should be showing real leadership, speaking out daily against the attrocities that are taking place

This is needed now ... today ...not next week.

Yet more violence in Zimbabwe

The extent of Robert Mugabe's determination to stay as president of Zimbabwe is seen in his latest comment - "the MDC will never be allowed to rule this country - never ever...only God who appointed me will remove me, not the MDC, not the British."

On Saturday there was a story in the newspaper about a poor woman who was raped by ten soldiers, beaton, kicked and threatened with her life. She still refused to tell them anything about the MDC. Incredible courage!

I do hope that Morgan Tsvangirai has the strength to continue to fight Mugabe. The Zimbabwean's need him to do to it as they desperately need democracy.

How lucky we are that we have freedom and democracy. We take it so much for granted.

When will something be done about Zimbabwe?

The election process in Zimbabwe has gone on long enough. It is time now that someone stood up and talked out against a regime that does not believe in democracy, freedom, fairness and the rule of law.

Government sources have said that opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has defeated President Robert Mugabe, but failed to secure an outright victory. So why have they taken so long to communicate the final result? Who is going to stand up for the Zimbabwean people?

Where is South Africa when we see the atrocities taking place in Zimbabwe? There is a deafening silence.

Linking Brentford with Rwanda

This week I returned from a few days in Rwanda. The aim of the visit was to twin Brentford School for Girls with Kayonza Modern Secondary School. We had an amazing time and got a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the school. It was definitely the start of a long and special relationship.

Rwanda is one of Africa's poorest countries, which in the past descended into unimaginable barbarism during the genocide in 1994. 1 million people were massacred in 90 days - a faster killing rate than in the Holocaust.

Now, 14 years later, the Rwandan people are inspiring. The optimism, courage and resourcefulness of the people will never leave me. Against the odds, they are creating a new community after one of the most tragic episodes in history. They have learned how to survive and how to hope again. Out of the pain and despair, has come a future of forgiveness and unity. They talked to us about how they work together, share responsibility, trust and support each other in their communities. Here, in a small, remote country in Africa, is the perfect example of what we need to achieve here in Britain. This is what I believe Conservatism is about.