Deal with Mugabe, Sentamu urges PM

Dr John Sentamu said that Britain needs to get past its "colonialist guilt" when it comes to Zimbabwe.

He said: "Mugabe is the worst kind of racist dictator."

He added: "Having targeted the whites for their apparent riches, Mugabe has enacted an awful Orwellian vision, with the once oppressed taking on the role of the oppressor and glorying in their totalitarian abilities."

Dr Sentamu said he was hopeful that the Prime Minister would respond to the crisis within the next week.

The Archbishop also called for an end to current foreign policy introduced by Tony Blair, with its emphasis on the role of neighbouring governments such as South Africa.

"The time for 'African solutions' alone is now over. Despite his best efforts, president Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has failed to help the people of Zimbabwe.

"At best he has been ineffective in his efforts to advise, cajole and persuade Robert Mugabe that it is time for him to reverse his unjust and brutal regime.

"At worst, Mbeki is complicit in his failing to lead the charge against a neighbour who is systematically raping the country he leads."

Dr Sentamu called for all people who marched with him to end apartheid in South Africa, and who demonstrated against the actions of the Ian Smith Government in Rhodesia, to now direct their efforts to rid Zimbabwe of Mugabe.