A better deal for Zimbabwe
THE intervention of the military in a country’s internal affairs can bring about fear and uncertainty among citizens of a military state characterised by violence, the imprisonment of political activists and the murder of outspoken critics of the military coup.
The removal of a sitting president by the military, no matter how unpopular he may be, is often a great source of unhappiness because of its antidemocratic nature. However, this is not the case in Zimbabwe.
The fact that ordinary citizens have continued with their lives, going to school and work, is proof of their resilient spirit. While the presence of the military in the streets of Harare may bring some unease, citizens are also relieved that the change they have been waiting for has finally arrived.
The reaction of ordinary people in Zimbabwe to the demise of President Robert Mugabe’s 37-year reign of terror, which has practically destroyed the country, is hardly a surprise. It speaks volumes of the extent of the destruction Mugabe and his cronies have inflicted on this once-great nation.
This prevailing atmosphere of hope for a new dawn is a clear sign that the people of Zimbabwe want to see the back of Mugabe, and that they reject any attempts to have his wife, Grace, continue his dictatorship.
The takeover by the country’s military, while it is welcomed, should be viewed with caution as it might have nothing to do with democracy. It might just be a desperate attempt by another Zanu-PF faction to hold on to power.
Military commander General Constantino Chiwenga is an integral part of the ruling party and his intervention is not aimed at ushering in a new democratic order. He is hardly a democrat and his dubious past does not inspire confidence. He represents a faction aligned with sacked vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa that Mugabe has sidelined in favour of his wife, and jailed ministers such as Jonathan Moyo.
As chairman of the SADC, President Jacob Zuma’s envoys, dispatched to find a lasting political solution, must ensure they negotiate a better deal for the people of Zimbabwe.