Hope in Harare

The weekend celebrations in Zimbabwe at what appeared to be the imminent end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year reign were clear signs that the veteran leader was not the popular figure he imagined himself to be. After last week’s action by the military to close off the prospect of Mugabe’s wife Grace succeeding him as president, there has been a reluctance to topple the 93-yearold because of the residual affection that the people supposedly hold for him. Certainly his role in bringing about independence for Zimbabwe has sustained him in power for almost four decades; but the economic disasters he has inflicted upon his country have hardly endeared him to its citizens. That much was apparent from their delight at the prospect of his departure.

However, those who questioned whether last week’s events amounted to a coup d’etat had a point. The intervention was more about resolving internal factionalism over the succession inside the ruling Zanu-pf party than it was to do with supplanting Mr Mugabe, who it seems, after his refusal to resign yesterday, may yet cling on to his role for a little while yet. But the logical outcome of what the military had started must surely be the end of Mr Mugabe rule as president.

A peaceful transition must be hoped for still. But will Emmerson Mnangagwa, the most likely successor to the presidency, oversee the democratic and economic reforms that are desperately needed? He is, after all, a long-standing disciple of Mr Mugabe and has been accused of involvement in some of the regime’s worst excesses. A government of national unity, bringing in the opposition MDC, would be the best outcome for the people dancing on the streets of Harare.