Arms from China's 'ship of shame' reach Mugabe
The Zimbabwean government said yesterday that weapons carried by China's so-called "ship of shame," the An Yue Jiang, had arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, despite an international campaign to prevent the 77 tonnes of arms reaching President Robert Mugabe's regime.
The arms, including three million AK‑47 bullets, more than 3000 mortar shells and launchers, and some 1500 rocket-propelled grenades, came as Mugabe's police, armed forces, and militias cracked down harder on political opponents ahead of a presidential run-off election.
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change - whose supporters say won the March 29 presidential election outright - yesterday canceled, yet again, his return to Zimbabwe, citing fears that he might be assassinated. Tsvangirai has been out of Zimbabwe for more than a month, mainly in South Africa. Meanwhile, at home, at least 40 of his supporters have been killed by Mugabe's forces, thousands have been injured, and hundreds tortured. Tsvangirai's absence is causing more and more anger among his support base.
International Campaign to Prevent Arms Shipment
Five weeks ago, dockers in the South African port of Durban refused to unload the An Yue Jiang's six container-loads of arms for Mugabe. The Chinese ship eventually left without unloading, after a coalition of South African and international human-rights organizations, along with church groups, widely publicized the issue.
Since then, the An Yue Jiang's location and destination have been a mystery. But as Mugabe's government confirmed that the weapons had been received, South Africa's Business Day newspaper and the Mozambican online newspaper Canal de Moçambique, yesterday published details of how the vessel got the weapons to Mugabe.
The ship was secretly refueled offshore by the South African navy vessel SAS Drakensberg. The An Yue Jiang then rounded the Cape of Good Hope from the Indian Ocean into the Atlantic and headed for the Congo-Brazzaville port of Ponta Negra.
According to the South African and Mozambican newspapers, and subsequently confirmed by Mugabe's deputy information minister Bright Matonga, the arms were flown from Ponta Negra to Harare in giant transport aircraft belonging to Avient Aviation, a UK-registered freight charter airline operating out of Zimbabwe.
Despite appeals by Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa and concerns raised by various organizations, the Angolan government, which is close to Mugabe, provided assistance in offloading the weapons.
Escalating Violence and Economic Crisis in Zimbabwe
Alarming reports are reaching South Africa about the scale of the crackdown in Zimbabwe on opponents of Mugabe. Six retired South African generals, headed by General Gilbert Lebeko Romano, returned from a fact-finding mission last week to Zimbabwe, saying they had uncovered "shocking" levels of state-sponsored terrorism.
The handful of South African correspondents in Zimbabwe say the government's campaign of terror is widespread but largely unreported. Many who voted for Tsvangirai in March will be afraid to do so again in June.
Zimbabwe's economy is in a prolonged free-fall. Unemployment exceeds 80%, and the world's worst rate of inflation now surpasses 165,000%. The violence spilled over into South Africa, with attacks on Zimbabwean immigrants in Johannesburg.
Hotels and Accommodation
When visiting Zimbabwe or any country, finding suitable accommodation is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Fortunately, Zimbabwe offers a range of hotels and accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences.
Luxury Hotels
For those seeking a luxurious experience, Zimbabwe boasts several high-end hotels known for their exceptional amenities, service, and comfort. These hotels often feature spacious rooms or suites, elegant decor, fine dining restaurants, spa facilities, and other amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and concierge services.
Mid-range Hotels
Mid-range hotels provide a balance between affordability and convenience. These hotels may offer comfortable rooms, good service, and amenities such as onsite restaurants, Wi-Fi, and parking facilities. They are ideal for travelers who desire a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
Budget Accommodation
For budget-conscious travelers, Zimbabwe also offers a range of budget accommodation options, including guesthouses, backpacker hostels, and self-catering apartments or cottages. While these accommodations may be simpler in terms of amenities, they often provide clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices, making them a popular choice for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget.
When planning your visit to Zimbabwe, be sure to research and book accommodation in advance to secure the best options and deals. Whether you prefer luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation, there is something suitable for every traveler in Zimbabwe.
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