Rescuing Zimbabwe.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Zimbabwe is a nation in free fall, and only a decisive international response can bring its megalomaniacal dictator to justice and prevent a humanitarian crisis.

While that response must be global in scope, it should originate on the same continent where stability is threatened by Zimbabwe's meltdown - a continent that for too long has tolerated President Robert Mugabe's tyranny.

Once hailed as a freedom fighter for his struggle against white minority rule, Mugabe has become what South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu calls a "caricature of an African dictator." He has destroyed a thriving agricultural economy through a corrupt program of "land reform." Now, millions of Zimbabweans are at risk of starvation.

When the country's economy collapsed, Mugabe responded to the public outcry by destroying the homes and businesses of the urban poor who supported the country's opposition party. The crackdown left hundreds of thousands without homes or livelihoods.

Mugabe has proven he's willing to go to any length to maintain his death grip on power. He has suppressed opposition groups, ignored court rulings, silenced media and stolen elections. At a rally earlier this month, Mugabe's thugs assaulted and injured opposition leader Morgan Tsvanirai and other activists. Several days later, Nelson Chamisa, the spokesman for the opposition, was stopped on his way to a meeting with European officials and beaten with iron bars.

The shameful silence of Zimbabwe's neighbors in the face of such outrages may be ending. African Union Chairman John Kufuor of Ghana has denounced the recent crackdown, and South Africa expressed concern about Mugabe's human rights abuses.

South Africa, the region's military and economic powerhouse, has been reluctant to criticize Mugabe, but it must now lead the way. As Zimbabwe's primary trade partner, a major investor and the source of nearly half its electricity, South Africa has more influence over Zimbabwe than any other nation.

South African President Thabo Mbeki understands that his country cannot afford a failed state on its border. As many as 3 million Zimbabweans already have fled to South Africa, a number that could multiply if Zimbabwe self-destructs under Mugabe's rule.

Mbeki has to make clear to Mugabe that he must step down when his term expires next year and that he must end his crackdown on opponents. South Africa and the African Union should request the U.N. Security Council to direct the International Criminal Court to investigate Mugabe and his government for their crimes against humanity.

Once Mugabe's departure has been assured, Zimbabweans must get their country back on track politically and economically, and deal with the injustices inflicted under Mugabe's rule. Here again, South Africa can take a lead role, drawing on its experience after the end of apartheid, including establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission to foster justice and healing.

International support will be essential at every step. If necessary, the United States and European Union should impose new sanctions. China and Israel should stop selling Mugabe the weapons that help keep him in power, and the world should stand ready to provide the relief necessary to avoid a humanitarian disaster.

But if real change is to come to Zimbabwe, it must start - and end - in Africa.