True democratic change unlikely in Zimbabwe despite removal of Robert Mugabe

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on November 17, 2017.

After almost 40 years as president of Zimbabwe it looks as though Robert Mugabe will be removed from office soon, one way or another.

With military forces taking over, but not calling it a coup, the surprise is the almost reverential tones of other African leaders as they speak about Mugabe’s situation. Some have referred to him as a senior statesman, listing his achievements even as negotiations appear to be taking place for a “comfortable” future for him.

When the bitter war in the then Rhodesia was over and Mugabe declared the president, the world hailed a victory for democracy. There had been, after all, a free and fair election although opposition parties would not call it that. The people who were tortured for supporting the party that lost would also not call it that.

The world’s spotlight was then removed from Zimbabwe even as brutal killings and methods of torture continued. It was as though it did not matter who was killing whom anymore.

There were reports of farmers removed from their land, often badly beaten or killed. Hundreds of farm labourers lost their jobs and homes in the process.

It is worth remembering the farmers because the decision to give those farms to the people who had supported Mugabe is one of the reasons the country is a basket case right now. Productive farms that used to not only provide enough food for the nation but produced enough to export now have masses starving and foreign food aid is required. Even then there are reports of that food going only to members of Mugabe’s political party.

Africa is a continent where the winner takes all and there are no second places. In fact if you are in second place you could be in a precarious place especially if you are perceived as a threat.

The first-place winner can become paranoid about a possible coup at any moment of any day. Security goes over the top, a convoy of flashy vehicles becomes necessary to provide a measure of safety from the second-place winner and his/her supporters. Even 10 years ago there were reports of Mugabe not being able to sleep in the same bed for two nights in a row because he feared someone would take him out.

There have been “democratic” elections in Zimbabwe over the years as Mugabe reigned supreme. The world even sent people to oversee the process. Some expressed concerns and even said they did not believe the election was without interference but Mugabe simply took no notice — it was his country after all.

Any journalists reporting on government impropriety could be charged with a crime, punishable by two years in jail.

While Idi Amin was a large man who gave the impression he was capable of personally taking out anyone in his way, Mugabe is small and even frail. The structure to keep him in power had remained very strong until this week.

It is likely South Africa will offer a safe place for Mugabe to live out his days in peace and comfort and deference, not to mention plenty of food and medical care. His ambitious wife, Grace, may find another niche for herself there too.

The future of Zimbabwe still hangs in the balance though — even after Mugabe has left. The history of political leaders across Africa, other than Nelson Mandela, does not give hope for true democratic change and that is terribly sad.

(Gillian Slade is a News reporter. To comment on this and other editorials, go to https://www.medicinehatnews.com/opinions or call her at 403-528-8635.)

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