After Mayor Tom Potter decided last week that Zimbabwe was secure enough to send his wife, Karin Hansen, and two members of his staff, the news from the politically deadlocked East African nation is not assuring.
As a propagandist loyal to strongman Robert Mugabe (pictured above), Jabulani Sibanda is no stranger to shit-talking. But his latest announcement couldn’t come at a worse time for the Portland delegation.
Citing concerns about the U.S. financial crisis, Potter himself declined to take the planned 13-day trip to Portland’s sister city Mutare and elsewhere in Zimbabwe. Instead he sent his chief of staff, Austin Raglione, and his director of international affairs, Mila Greisen, to accompany Hansen.
The Harare press reports Potter’s team brought much-needed medical supplies. But with instability growing, plus concerns that a trip could be perceived as support for Mugabe, was it the best time for Portland’s attempts at diplomacy?
Team Potter is expected to leave Zimbabwe on Oct. 28.
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Zimbabwe is in Southern Africa, not Eastern. You’d be more correct if you said Central African, but not East. Check your atlas on the location for clarification.