Uncertainty prevails over Zimbabwe, Mugabe
After years of hardship, many hope for a return to prosperity
HARARE, Zimbabwe – Talent Zvinorwadza, who has been unemployed for years, hopes his life will improve following the apparent ouster of the world’s oldest leader after nearly four decades of rule in this southern African nation.
“I have a family to look after, and I am excited by this development,” Zvinorwadza, 35, an unskilled laborer, said after news President Robert Mugabe and his wife and intended successor, Grace, have been placed under house arrest by the military. “I am looking forward to getting a job very soon.”
The uncertainty over the country’s political leadership prompted residents in this capital city Thursday to deplete stores of basic goods and form long lines at banks to withdraw cash. Still unclear is who will replace Mugabe, 93, the nation’s leader since 1980. It appeared the military was siding with one of Mugabe’s vice presidents, who had been fired on suspicion plotting to overthrow him.
Some Zimbabweans believe that after years of famine, joblessness, corruption and human rights abuses under Mugabe, they may finally see the country return to prosperity.
Mugabe, a one-time hero against British rule who ruled as a virtual dictator, now faces widespread complaints about ruinous economic policies in the last two decades that resulted in the economic collapse of what was once one of Africa’s wealthiest nations.
“The problem with the situation is that Zimbabwe up until the mid-1990s was one of the better-managed states in Africa. Things were working out reasonably well,” said Teddy Brett, a professor of international development at the London School of Economics. “Since then, I think Zimbabwe would come in as one of the worst-performing economies in Africa.”
Zimbabwe, once known as the breadbasket of southern Africa, saw a grave decline in agricultural production. Mugabe had seized white-owned farms and handed them over to cronies with little experience in running them.
Exports also declined while the country saw a 50% contraction in economic growth, which led to famine and hyperinflation. That made it necessary to print 100-billion-dollar notes and carry buckets of cash just to do the most basic errands.
“It’s probably the biggest inflation in human history,” Brett said. “During that period, significant rehabilitation of the economy was needed. But during the last election, the cronyism got worse, meaning the economy got worse.”
Mugabe had hoped his wife — known as “Gucci Grace” or “first shopper” for her lavish European spending sprees — would succeed him in the 2018 election. But the military blocked that.
Mugabe’s ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union, had splintered into two factions over his successor: Grace, 52, or recently dismissed Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had fled the country.
Now that the military appears to side with Mnangagwa as the next president, Zimbabweans are wondering whether Mugabe will willingly leave his post.
Former prime minister and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said Thursday that Mugabe must step down and a transition government must be put in place. “People demand and deserve change,” he said.
The military denies that a coup has taken place, saying in a statement that it is merely “targeting criminals around (Mugabe) who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country.”
Some Harare residents said they want Mugabe gone quickly.
“Mugabe and his wife must leave the country immediately,” said Paida Murahwa, 28, a dressmaker. “Mugabe has violated the rights of many activists and has run down the economy.”
Some remembered what Mugabe had done for the country, seizing power in 1980 from minority white rule of what had been known as Rhodesia. They believe the aging leader should now be allowed to retire with dignity.
“Mugabe fought for our freedom, and he should not be treated like this. He deserves an honorable exit,” said Stephen Mukombwe, 39.
But university student Emily Phiri says his departure marks a new chapter for Zimbabwe.
“If he is really gone that is good for the country,” said Phiri, 19. “I think there will be lots of investment and jobs created. I look forward to getting a good job with a very good salary, and I will buy nice things.”
“Mugabe fought for our freedom, and he should not be treated like this. He deserves an honorable exit.” Stephen Mukombwe