UK stops all arms exports to Zimbabwe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain announced it was halting all export orders for arms and military equipment to Zimbabwe last night after President Robert Mugabe repeated his threat to seize half the country's white-owned land without compensation.
In his most defiant address yet, President Mugabe declared Britain his country's enemy and told whites they could leave. "They are free to leave and we may assist them by showing various ways to leave the territory," he said.
The further deterioration in relations with Britain's former colony came as sources revealed that intelligence reports to the Foreign Office in February indicated that Mr Mugabe faced a revolt within his own party and had ordered the destruction of the country's fledgling opposition movement.
The Government is now convinced that the forthcoming elections cannot be free and fair. Ministers are already privately warning that they will reject the results as rigged.
Mr Mugabe's speech caused alarm among Zimbabwe's whites and its beleaguered opposition. It came as the President launched the ruling Zanu-PF party's manifesto for elections for which he has still not named a date.
The Foreign Office announcement on the suspension of arms exports will have little practical effect. Zimbabwe is thought to have only two operational Hawk jets. But the supply of 450 Land Rovers to the Zimbabwean police has been halted, and the ban will extend to the export of small arms, radios, hunting rifles and radar spares.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments