Is Mugabe preparing a coup?

Last week's issue of The Zimbabwean, which is edited from Britain, leads with a report on the possible exchange of Chinese weapons for illegally mined diamonds in Zimbabwe (see below).

If the information in this report is proved correct, it would indicate that the Mugabe regime is preparing a bloody coup to preserve itself in office, in defiance of its loss of the general election last year, its subsequent power-sharing deal with the Movement for Democratic Change, the Kimberley Process which regulates the global gem trade and a ruling of the High Court in Harare.

The report suggests that the Mugabe regime - believed to have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of independent miners when it sent the army to seize the diamond fields at Chiadzwa in November 2008 - intends to exchange "blood diamonds" for weapons from China . The report indicates that a runway suitable for this kind of traffic has already been constructed in the diamond fields and is almost ready for use.

If the report is proved correct, it would indicate a qualitative escalation of Chinese intervention in Africa .

Armament of a resurgent Mugabe dictatorship by China , in defiance of the power-sharing agreement, would represent the initiation of a new Cold War in Africa , at a time when the United States and Britain are tied down in Afghanistan and Iraq , and handicapped by a massive sovereign debt crisis.

Such a development would have immediate and immensely grave implications for South Africa , and would represent a military-political destabilisation of the entire region.

Construction of a mile-long runway at Chiadzwa would further present a direct challenge to COSATU, which organised a boycott by dockers in South Africa three years ago of Chinese arms shipments to Mugabe. - Paul Trewhela

HARARE - A mile-long runway capable of accommodating massive, longrange cargo jets is being built in the Chiadzwa diamond fields in Zimbabwe, according to a British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph.

Aerial pictures published in the newspaper show that construction work is well under way, with a newly built control tower apparently complete and the runway nearly ready for surfacing. The images also show what appears to be a tented army camp in the diamond fields, which would be in violation of Zimbabwean court orders and of an undertaking to the Kimberley Process, which was set up to prevent "blood diamonds" from conflict zones entering the global gem trade.

The paper quoted diplomats and analysts saying the runway was probably intended for arms shipments, probably from China , for which troops loyal to President Robert Mugabe would pay on the spot with diamonds. There are other airfields within a short distance of the mining area, and no obvious need for a runway long enough for transport planes to take off and land even closer to the mines. A Western diplomat said the existence of the runway, out of sight except from the air, was "extremely" worrying.

One of the mining companies involved in the development says that it is building the runway in order to comply with Kimberley Process rules that diamonds be transported in the most secure way possible, and that a private contractor is responsible for security. The Daily Telegraph article gave no explanation as to why such a long runway was needed.

According to human rights groups, hundreds of independent miners were killed when soldiers seized control of the Chiadzwa area in November 2008, since. Since then others have been compelled to work for only a fraction of the value of the diamonds they unearth. Officers use the proceeds from their sale to enhance their meagre pay - a ploy encouraged by Mugabe's henchmen to help ensure the army's continued loyalty.

But the construction of the runway suggests that the army wants to use its access to the raw diamonds - whose production is worth an estimated £125 million a month - to obtain goods from abroad, in particular weapons.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has been briefed about the continued presence of the army at the diamond fields and the construction of the secret runway. A party insider said: "We know about it and it is extremely sensitive. We are very worried about what we have found out this week."

China has long been Zimbabwe 's main source of arms, but delivery has been more difficult since a shipment was blocked in South Africa three years ago. Other deliveries have come in through Beira in Mozambique , but government officials in Maputo , have expressed concern over the issue.

The army has also been frustrated in its attempts to buy weapons by finance minister, Tendai Biti, a member of the MDC, who has blocked new arms purchases since taking control of the treasury under last year's power-sharing deal.

The new facility would give the Joint Operations Command, the military top brass who long swore they would never recognise Tsvangirai's authority, a way to obtain weapons independently.

A Western diplomat claimed the head of the armed forces, Constantine Chiwenga, had been "very busy" with the Chinese recently, adding: "We are concerned he is buying weapons."

A senior political source, who has seen the pictures, said: "Zanu (PF) believes these diamond fields will allow it to continue to defy outstanding issues of the political agreement.

"It only went into the inclusive government because it lost the elections but it has no intention of fulfilling the political agreement, and wants to go it alone. It needs an income to ensure loyalty among soldiers and other security forces."

The diamond fields could be worth billions of pounds and make a vital contribution to rebuilding a country brought to ruin by Mugabe's economic mismanagement.

Tens of millions of pounds worth of gems are smuggled into nearby Mozambique each month, mostly with the connivance of the army and police, to be bought by dealers from Lebanon , Belgium , Iraq , Mauritania and the Balkans.

The mines, whose rough diamonds have a characteristic and unappealing grey appearance, cover an area of 10 square miles. A British company, African Consolidated Resources (ACR), has a legal claim to them under a deal struck originally with the Zimbabwean government, but in 2006 the Mugabe regime went back on the agreement and declared the mines open to all comers.

Defence minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa, denied any knowledge of the runway under construction in the area. "Ask the mining ministry or home affairs, they might know about it", he said.

The mining minister, Obert Mpofu, also a member of Mugabe's party, said he was on holiday and therefore could not comment.

The government insists the army has withdrawn from the mining concession area and the mines are now being run by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), ignoring a high court order granting that right to ACR.

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Zim a lawless state This failed state is the ANC's closest ally. The terror being perpetrated by blue light security services on our motorists is the beginning of the same state lawlessness. There is no authority to stop this scourge. Watch it grow. by Petr on February 08 2010, 11:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Unsurprised. Mugabe's intention, for the past 2 years since losing an election, was simply to buy himself Time. Time to regroup, re-arm, and recoup lost power. Time ... the easiest asset to 'steal', because SADC leaders wouldn't know the word if it hit them . .more in their faces. . .less by Saffer on February 08 2010, 15:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

China a problem child? Funny how China can complain about the US selling arms to Taiwan because it might destabilize the region but they don't mind destabilizing any region they themselves please to by selling arms into it. I suppose they don't really care about peoples lives . .more so long as they make a quick buck! Maybe the rest of the world should go back to basics and refuse to trade with China until they stop their nonsense, then lets see how quickly they crumble, just like Zim. . .less by DaveH on February 08 2010, 19:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Military Importations Not sure why another airstrip is needed when aircraft landing at Harare International can divert to the Airforce Base no questions asked. However there is a precedent. The North Korean ship that delivered the 5 Brigade North Korean Instructors . .more together with a train load of "ball bearings" was due to return to North Korea laden with gifts. The convoy of military vehicles bearing the gifts was stopped by Customs at Forbes Border Post for exchange control authorisation. The convoy turned back from the border post to a nearby military airstrip and the gifts transported to Beira on Zimbabwe Airforce DC3s. . .less by Tshindi on February 08 2010, 22:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ZANUs coups...... The rhetorical & actual style of this gang is to be ALWAYS waging a war. It is at its' most brutally efficient when spilling real blood. It did NOT go wrong overnight - it began in 1980 (many say long before): - Who was displaced (& how) . .more in the 1980's for the farms now owned by Mnangagwa? - Which tribe/party was "cleansed" by the tens of thousands labelled as "dissidents"; by whom & for what purpose? - The "squatter cleansing" (murambatsvina) murderous as it was, effectively disrupted almost only MDC voters in future result-significant proportions. Why, & who are responsible? - The forced exile from Zimbabwe of 3 million-odd diaspora with it the rump of the educated middle class. Who cares & why? Didymus Mutasa once claimed Zim was not short of food, but needed a greatly reduced population! Job done, then. - The systematic/willful destruction of commercial agriculture.... as above and, again, what, who & why? - Chiadzwa is the last ditch means for a jongwe utopia of power & wealth everlasting. The polite camouflage of democratic rule of law is now blatantly discarded for the world to see. They know the game is up so they will stop at zilch now. Why does everyone keep wondering how things got this bad in Zim; do nothing another year or so, then repeat the question? Bob & co count on it! Chikurubi Kid . .less by John Austin, London on February 09 2010, 00:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

wrong, wrong, wrong Yes it is true that an airfield is being constructed. yes it is true that Zimbabwean soldiers are being taught what "single round" and "automatic" are in Chinese. yes it is true that tiffany's will be opening many branches in china where you can . .more buy discount gems. But, the purpose of the arms imports is not for mingling Zimbabwean bones and blood with dust and grit. Oh no!! heavens, where did you get that idea. mr Zuma our PP (prancing P****) president has graciously agreed to teach the entire Zimbabwean army the libretto of his famous song and, what's more, to explain the dance routine as well. once finished their training the entire Zimbabwean army will be fitted out in Michael kackson suits complete with 30 kg of medals for each soldier and the show will go on the road Places where you can see the show? North korea, Iran China S.A. Somalia Afghanistan United nations Myanmar you know, all the usual democratic law abiding countries where citizens enjoy light entertainment . .less by Plutarch on February 09 2010, 06:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mugabe a selfish, ruthless, black devil I think its time for everybody to stand against this devil's nonsense he is the little devil who does not give a shame about his own people. Go to hell by Thembalake on February 09 2010, 06:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zimbabwe and South africa - China's new provinces? J.B. Vorster, of evil and unlamented memory, forced Ian Smith to capitulate to the British, who betrayed Rhodesia to Mugabe and the allies of his terrorists, the Koreans and Chinese. Thabo Mbeki did not exactly conceal his support for Mugabe, and Zuma . .more does not appear to have exerted himself either in condemning the atrocities perpetuated in that unhappy land. Once the ANC has bled this country dry, driven out white expertise, and cut out any hope of aid from Europe and America, South Africa too will fall to into Chinese hands. You voted ANC, many of you - vote them out now, before it is too late, or pay a penalty for which your grand-childrens children will revile your names. . .less by Dr. Angelo Lambiris on February 09 2010, 07:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

China's to stay in the far East. We don't only have to vote the ANC (and China) out, we also have to start as from today to boycott all Chinese products. Don't buy and return the not 100% items to the suppliers. Importers of all Chinese products, inclusive the zumanuide of . .more WC2010, have to be discouraged. It shouldn't be a problem to claim the warranty as most of the Chinese product lack the required quality. . .less by fc on February 09 2010, 08:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

He never gave up power so a coup is not the right term That he might be planning to kill all the opposition is probably the case as black african leaders generally do not do opposition. Take our guy Zuma who does illigitiemate children, extra marital sex, 5 wives, 20 kids, unprotected sex with people he knows . .more have AIDS at least once etc etc I mean however you want to look at it these people are quite different as this is the best person the black africans can select in South Africa, the very best. . .less by Different Genes? on February 09 2010, 08:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Start learning Mandarin The new colonist have arrived and they are not so touchy feely human rights orientated as the last lot. by Fred on February 09 2010, 08:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zim the new launching base(fob) for the real gem of Africa i.e. South Africa. Read the Art of War and you will understand that the Chinese have these African "leaders" all duped. by Fred on February 09 2010, 08:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

China the chinese will be the new masters of africa within the next 20 years.the liberation struggle got rid of the whites to be replaced bythe chinese and they will defintley not come with bibles under their arm. by butch on February 09 2010, 08:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

China an anathema China is an anathema to everything that blacks in this country strive for and yet our leaders and those of SADC pander to their every dictate.There is an old Chinese proverb which states " beware of the smile that hides the dagger" and the sooner young . .more blacks in this country wake up to the fact that China would quite happily arm another Mugabe in SA, the better. . .less by Mike on February 09 2010, 08:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zim! Not having any food is bad, not having a job is even worse BUT not doing things the "white man's way" is priceless. Indeed it makes up for all the rest! For Zimbabwe the saying is true: "it is better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven." One can . .more only shake your head in disbelief. . .less by R2D2 on February 09 2010, 08:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@R2D2 if only they would behave sensibly I mean look at Zuma. What a joke and embarrassment. by Jokers on February 09 2010, 09:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma is called Sonder Broek So say Cape Talk. Nice one indeed - Sonder Broek is so appropriate for this 67 year old sex mad old man. by Mad poeple on February 09 2010, 09:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

THERE IS NO CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE. Now where is my bottle JW Blue by Thabo Mbeki on February 09 2010, 10:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Minister Sisulu Perhaps the esteemed minsister of defence could organise a pre-emptive strike to disable said airfield? Our airforce still has a couple of servicable aircraft and the odd 70 year old pilot, namely the the Boeing Business Jet and a Falcon or . .more two. Whilst not necessarily suited for the purpose, desperate times call for ingenious measures. A few bottles of Johnny Walker Blue, a cotton plug and a diamante Cartier lighter and voila... an airstrip disabling blinged-out Molotov Cocktail!! If that fails (what are the chances??) I suggest we all run for our lives as the porous borders and corpulent/ aged SANDF provide limited deterrence to rapacious Chinese-backed Zimbabwean hordes. . .less by Oracle on February 09 2010, 11:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Explains why The USA is relocating their emabassies in Zambia and Swaziland and why they are apparantly funding a large new airport in Swaziland, which is nearing completion. The new scramble for Africa begins. by Swazi on February 09 2010, 11:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

China our new boss? So when you greet your new boss the saying "howzit my China" will get a new meaning? by Nick on February 09 2010, 12:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SADC Regional Military HQ, Chiadzwa The media released satellite picture is of low definition & unstated provenance. GoogleEarth doesn't help as their images pre-date current developments. However, taking it at face value, the dimensions and structure exceed anything the . .more Rhodesians built in outlying areas during the liberation war. The building in the picture of Chiadzwa's civ-eng work looks like a multi-storey large airport control tower (such as one finds at international airports). This is capital infrastructure on a grand scale for a serious (regional?) purpose (Angola in the west, Chiadzwa in the east). It certainly ain't any piece of consequential mining infrastructure. Question: Who authored the plans (anyone got a copy)? Nog n kwestjin: Who are the resident & site engineers (names, nationalities, language - most of Zim professionals live in the diaspora)? Bigger Question: Who is paying for it or providing credit (remember Zim is broke & can't borrow)? "Different Genes" posts "Mugabe never gave up power". Very true, death or removal of ZANU OR a dead Zimbabwe will be the end - whichever happens earlier. So, who gets the diamonds after that outcome, then? Chikurubi Kid :) . .less by John Austin, London on February 09 2010, 13:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

UNSURPRISED by Saffer Saffer says:- "Mugabe's intention, for the past 2 years since losing an election, was simply to buy himself Time. Time to regroup, re-arm, and recoup lost power. Time... the easiest asset to 'steal', because SADC leaders wouldn't . .more know the word if it hit them . .more in their faces." Time wasting, inaction, silent diplomacy, etcetera, don't spring out of ignorance & ineptitude. They are tools & are used by the SADC ex-liberation family to great effect. This isn't a dithering bungling scenario we witness. It's all part of a regional master plan. When South Africans can't believe why Thabo didn't do/say anything for so long and now Jacob emulates that ANC policy - do not think it is born out of bungling stupidity (although it is helpful for them if we do jump to such conclusions). These are men of a ruthless & greedy SADC criminal cartel whose roots are in the brotherhood of the liberation struggle & their guerilla movements/arrmies. Read their policies & rhetoric from the exile years & you will understand better how everything is actually going pretty well much to those stated ends. Todays results have long been planned for. Yep, and "time" is one of their useful & effective resources. Understand how they tick, and it all becomes clear. Use their vision uncluttered by your own. Chikurubi Kid :) . .less by John Austin, London on February 09 2010, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What? Que? "Armament of a resurgent Mugabe dictatorship by China , in defiance of the power-sharing agreement, would represent the initiation of a new Cold War in Africa , at a time when the United States and Britain are tied down in Afghanistan and Iraq , and . .more handicapped by a massive sovereign debt crisis." . .less by Jeremy Gordin on February 09 2010, 15:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob.... He couldn't organise the proverbial p*** up in a brewery! by Zimbo on February 09 2010, 17:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

We will just watch The Big Man can't even manufacture his own weapons to kill his "enemies" The writing has been on the wall for this country (Zim) for years, and now as it all seems to be coming to a violent and bloody head, our lot and SADC will just watch open mouthed, . .more as they dare not disturb the great African liberator. . .less by Airwolf on February 09 2010, 18:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

South Africans (and other SADC countries) beware Once Mugabe has the weapons he will become the Saddam Hussein of Southern Africa. He tried to invade Malawi. He has invaded the Congo. The SA military is not a force to be reckoned with. South Africa or Botswana may be his next target. I warned you. by Little Man Tate on February 09 2010, 19:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Runway construction at Chiadzwa It's shocking to learn how Mugabe's regime is manupilating the economy of the country. Civil servants are on strike right now siting poor salries and yet these heartless devils are spending millions of dollars to construct a runway to faclitate exchange . .more of the precious resources of Zimbabwe for guns and ammunition, what a shame. Mugabe haufi wakaita sei? Kura mhani! Haa-a haa-a! Hausvodi! Tibvire apa! . .less by Kule Kule on February 10 2010, 07:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Supposed value of uncut diamonds. I have some serious questions over the numbers in the piece. 125 million pounds/month equals R18 billion/annum (do the math). That would make this P***-willy diamond field almost as big as De Beers. AND these are UNCUT stones, of a grey, unattractive . .more hue, NOGAL! CANNOT BE TRUE! However, we shouldn't let facts get in the way of a good, emotive story! . .less by Piet Pompies on February 12 2010, 14:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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