The Daily News, the country's most popular paper, was closed down

In this week's Crossing Continents, Rosie Goldsmith spoke to Zimbabweans about what life is really like in their country.

Listen to the programme

We asked for your comments on any of the issues our programme raised about the situation in Zimbabwe, or the international response to it, and this is what you had to say:

The whole world is moving forward, whilst Zimbabwe is moving backward.

Mugabe contributed very little to the liberation of Zimbabwe, even though he now takes all the credit.

The credit he should take is of the situation of the economy now. Zimbabwe deserve better. Give people true freedom to determine the future of the nation. Secrets shall one day be shouted from roof tops. Love Zimbabwe, but not with Mugabe ruling.
Themba

Mugabe is a revolutionary who freed his country from a tyrannical and colonial rule.

He is a man admired and loved all across Africa. He has fought for us and today I can go to work anywhere in the world and just be as competitive.

Although I did not benefit from the land reform, I benefited a lot from his education policies.

Mugabe is an example of a leader who leads his people with his people in mind.

The international critics do not know that they are being hoodwinked by these Zimbabwean Mugabe critics
Wilberforce

I am a Zimbabwean living in Zambia. I think Robert Mugabe was right to do what he has done. So why are people complaining? He is not a puppet and does what is best for his people. The same people suffered the harsh realities of colonialism.
Zane

What is actually going on in Zimbabwe is so sad. Land was a matter that should have been dealt with in an organised fashion straight after Independence.

So very, very sad for a beautiful country and a long-suffering nation of people Salom

The way it is being handled now does not have the welfare of the Zimbabwean people in mind.

The majority of the farmland is now lying barren and deserted. So added to the very high unemployment, horrendous inflation and political tension, there is now a tremendous shortage of food, medicines and the basic necessities of life.

So very, very sad for a beautiful country and a long-suffering nation of people.
Shalom

The jewel of Africa is dying. Zimbabwe was a land of hope. A country where people were going to live as one.

But then the land was taken from the country's minority group. And the economy was devastated as a result.

I miss home so much but know I can never live there again. The world stands by and watches.
Don

No amount of propaganda will persuade us that Mugabe is a tyrant or bad leader.

He is currently the only African leader who has taken a moral and justified route aimed at redistributing land to its rightful owners. It is sad that some people fail to grasp this truth.
Malcolm

Perhaps one day we will vote for a ruler who has the future and the good of Zimbabwe in his heart.
James Mupenge

I believe Robert Mugabe is a very good leader. He reminds me of George Bush.

He is standing up for the rights of his people and there is no one who can even come close to his dedication.

We Zimbabweans are getting back what is ours without a struggle Susan

There are Southern American Indians who are fighting for their land and losing. There are New Zealanders fighting for their land and losing.

But we Zimbabweans are getting back what is ours without a struggle. That is the way it should be.
Susan

How come no-one talks about the positive change going on? Mugabe is a leader who fights for his people, and if the UN and Western countries care so much, why did they put sanctions on the country?

People in Zimbabwe voted for their president, the same way America voted for theirs.

If Zimbabweans seeking asylum in other countries were so scared of the Mugabe regime, how come they are investing in new houses there?

How come they are still border jumping to go back home.

People need to realise that Zimbabwe's state was also influenced by the natural draught that hit South Africa. Do you blame Mugabe for that as well?

If only Zimbabweans were proud and honest enough to state that they are economic asylums seekers and not political asylum seekers.

Yes, there are problems in Zimbabwe but what country does not have problems?
Chuchu

We do not need a political scientist to tell us that Mugabe has overstayed his time in office.

Mugabe wants Zimbabweans to be forever worried about imaginary imperialists Munya

His political beliefs and philosophies of governance are now extremely outmoded as they do not apply to the 21st Century world of democracy.

He wants Zimbabweans to be forever worried about imaginary imperialists keen to colonize Zimbabwe.

My advice to Robert is to snap out of it! There is no one interested in colonizing a country that you have run down. You must either shape up your mess or ship out!
Munya

The West has so many misconceptions and so many deceptions due to self interest. Lest we forget who colonised us!
Kuda

We commend your good work of exposing the human rights violations taking place in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans in exile are becoming increasingly frustrated with the erosion of democracy and the reaction of friendly nations such as South Africa.

The next elections may usher in a new era in Zimbabwean politics. People have suffered for too long and have been pushed to the limit, so it is not surprising when we hear people in exile who are already talking about the inevitable confrontation.

We hope it will not come to that, but with the sad reality on the ground is: it may be just a matter of time.
Aron

Land redistribution is the future only if carried out with other empowerment programs.

Mugabe is a symbol of the strong African leader who is not swayed by foreign donor influence Charity

Black Africans suffered and still suffer from repressive colonialism and racism across the world.

Mugabe is a symbol of the strong African leader who is not swayed by foreign donor influence, however there is a need for Mugabe to get back to true African virtues of justice for all.

Mugabe needs to root out people who are sabotaging his movement.

We look forward to the day when dignity and justice is restored in Zimbabwe. Mugabe, bring pride back to Zimbabwe.
Charity

Mugabe must go. I hate what has happened to a once beautiful and peaceful country. I would love to go back and live there, but will not, unless there are major changes to the economic and political structure.

Stop the violence against innocent people who have the right to say how they feel about what is happening in their country!
Natallia

He is still the best we can have. His devised policies may sometimes fail, but he means well for his people and he is fundamentally convinced about it, something like George W Bush's attitude towards reality.
Stephen

Zimbabwe is one of the most repressive and dictatorial regimes in the world Christian

Why do the democracies of the world allow Robert Mugabe to remain in power? Zimbabwe is one of the most repressive and dictatorial regimes in the world, but the democracies do nothing about it!
Christian

In the 1980s the West supported Mugabe with everything he needed. Now he runs out of ideas and attacks whites he is suddenly a bad man. One is reminded of Saddam. You are okay unless you attack white interests.
Bhekuzulu

Where is the UN when you really need it?
Daniel

Those who ran away from Zimbabwe are lazy and cowards. They must come home and help to rebuild our nation instead of criticising it. We have the natural resources and the land, but what is needed is the expertise to rebuild the nation.
Freddie

As a displaced Zimbabwean I hope that the world will see what is happing in there and take action before all the nation is forced into exile, starved to death, or die from Aids.
Charles

If only Zimbabwe had oil, America and the UK would already be there to free the people from this ongoing tyrannical dictator.
Daniel

As a displaced Zimbabwean still actively involved in agricultural development in southern and eastern Africa, your latest Crossing Continents was one of the best. Keep up the good work.
Malcolm

I live in the US now and do not want to go home. No jobs, no future for us kids growing up.

I have my O Levels but my dad did not have any money for A levels.

Luckily, I got a sponsor who chose to place me in America where life is much better. Mugabe needs to go.
Dennis

The comments we publish are not necessarily the views of the BBC but will reflect the balance of views we have received. It is helpful if contributors state if they work for any organisation relevant to an issue discussed. Readers should form their own views on whether messages published represent undeclared interests, or views prompted by a common source.