Much of the world has been watching developments in Zimbabwe for some time, wondering what the final outcome will be for its people, many of whom live in what appears to be a world of endless suffering and fear.

Millions pulled up stakes and fled the country, to escape the misery, but in doing so created problems for nearby countries already overflowing with people. Inflation in Zimbabwe is so bad, money is almost useless.

Irrespective of how some observers may want to describe the state of this African country, which rose from the ashes of apartheid, there is little doubt that Zimbabwe faces an uncertain future, through having a leader who appears obsessed with staying in power at any cost.

The distinguished African leader Bishop Desmond Tutu, had praise for President Robert Mugabe, for his role in undermining the racist regime of Ian Smith, but was critical of what he has become since taking power.

Bishop Tutu told the international press, that basic human values appear to have been pushed aside, creating instability and fear. Some world leaders have been trying to get other African nations to weigh in on the regime that has been blamed for major unemployment, and critical shortages of food.

Achieving independence is one thing, but how leaders use their new powers can be another story. From many thousands of miles away it is certainly difficult to get the true picture of life throughout the entire country.

Banning the free press, including the BBC from reporting from there, is contrary to democratic principles respected by most countries.

It is certainly no secret, that many opposition members in Zimbabwe's political arena have been brutally beaten, with some actually killed by elements of a regime that appears determined to maintain its hold on power with an iron fist, when it comes to anyone who dares to challenge Government policy.

Strong condemnation from other African countries has been slow in coming, although various leaders have expressed some concern about the state of affairs in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile the whole question of election results is yet to be settled, with reported threats of possible assassination of the Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

The South African President Thabo Mbeki has tried to urge change in Zimbabwe, but he now finds himself in the middle of a crisis with vicious attacks on non South Africans, by roaming groups heavily armed who have even clashed with Police.

The attacks were understood to be driven by claims that many jobs have been lost through an invasion of immigrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria and other troubled areas.

There is no brother spirit here. The ugly truth is that Blacks are killing Blacks simply because they are considered outsiders infringing on the rights South Africans.

At least two people were burned alive in the streets. The scene was so bad, many described it as very similar to those savage battles prior to the death of Apartheid.

Thousands of immigrants meanwhile are caught in a no-win situation. They are terrified to remain in South Africa, but are equally afraid to return to their homelands.

With such large numbers, it seems almost a certainty that much more blood will be spilled, before authorities will be able to restore peace to that region. Few would have envisioned this type of situation when apartheid ended 14 years ago.

If there is a lesson to be learned here, it is that leaders of any nation should find ways to deal with serious problems affecting the lives of its citizens, or risk having it all explode in their faces with dreadful consequences.

African nations need to form a united front against corruption, and misuse of power. At the moment that seems some distance away.