Image: Former president Robert Mugabe
After serving as president of Zimbabwe for 37 years, Robert Mugabe has resigned, and his former Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is said to assume the position.
For years, Zimbabwe has been in the midst of an economic crisis, resulting in hyper inflation, a near collapse of the economy, and many citizens migrating to nearby countries. In addition to the economic issues plaguing the country, Zimbabwe recently had a military takeover after Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired and fled the country. Many believe that Mugabe fired Mnangagwa so that his wife, Grace Mugabe, could take over the presidency. Zimbabwe's parliament was already moving towards impeaching Robert Mugabe when his resignation was announced in the form of a letter read by the speaker of parliament. After the resignation was publicized, celebrations began all throughout Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Many people openly cheered, feeling rejuvenated after being oppressed for almost 40 years. Others responded less enthusiastically at the thought of having someone who worked alongside Mugabe so long come into power.
Zimbabwe is set to start a new chapter, but there is still the issue of the faltering economy that needs to be dealt with before the country can fully start over.
Discussion Questions:
What can/should be done to fix Zimbabwe's economy? Does it seem like the country is finally free, or will endure another cycle of oppression?
Articles:
BBC
Other BBC
CNN
3 comments:
Even though the military took over, it was essentially peaceful. As long as the government is able to stabilize the situation, Zimbabwe has enough natural resources such as gold, nickel, diamonds, and lithium to help their economy. Lithium is such an important part in batteries that it could help drive Zimbabwe out of poverty. The government also needs to ensure that there is no more corruption; they need to prevent people like "Gucci" Grace Mugabe from stealing money from their citizens to fund her lavish lifestyle. If this new president does not make drastic changes, the people of Zimbabwe could be in for a repeat of the past.
For clarification, Robert Mugabe has been accused of corruption, racial discrimination, and human rights abuse. He had an affair with his secretary and current wife, who, as Natalie noted, became known as "Gucci Grace" due to her large and luxurious shopping sprees. This affair continued on for 5 years until his former spouse's passing, bearing two children with Grace Mugabe (then Marufu). Even though his former wife knew he was having an affair, he continued it until her death afterwards got remarried. To some, a brutal dictator and tyrant; to others, a hero of the African liberation movement.
I'm not certain about Mnangagwa, but the country does have the potential to fix its economy as long as the government cracks down on corruption and acts more transparently in its affairs. Furthermore, the government needs more economic thinkers rather than political thinkers. As Natalie has noted, Zimbabwe is rich with natural resources, and Mnangagwa must start anew with the government to reverse the current economic crisis.
People seem to believe that what you do in your personal life will have an effect on your professional life. He may be a train wreck of a person, but he has done quite a lot professionally. Moving on from the new president, I believe that CNN gives quite a few suggestions on how to improve it. They should start focusing more resources on education and should come up with more economical ways of shipping their exports: platinum. I believe both Natalie and Arthur are correct with saying that Zimbabwe is filled with natural resources, and should reap the benefits of that.
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