Whats next for Zimbabwe
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| Credit: Zimbabwe news (Daily Express UK) Emmerson Mnangagwa Presidential inauguration in Harare. |
The past two weeks have been nerve wrecking and
historical for us as Zimbabweans. The 14th of November was the start
to historical moments that later saw the fall of a tyrant. The army called it a
“takeover” to get rid of “criminals” surrounding Robert Mugabe. In all essence
it had the ingredients of a military coup, albeit a 21st century one,
bloodless and smooth. Zanu PF went on to sack Mugabe and his cronies paving way
for the “Croc”. It was only until 21 November that Zimbabweans across the globe
celebrated as Robert Mugabe resigned. It was indeed an end of an era, people rejoiced,
not to be left out I too went out to celebrate the demise of Mugabe on the
streets. During all the euphoria it dawned on me, what would happen next in
Zimbabwe. Like in his letter upon his dismissal, Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in
Harare to a hero’s welcome to lead the party and the country. Last week Friday
Zimbabwe swore in a new leader as Mnangagwa took on the reigns and promised to
usher Zimbabwe on a new trajectory.
Now that we have a new president promising us
milk and honey, I have pondered on several issues and wonder whether they would
be addressed. Will electoral reform take place since elections are still
scheduled for next year? Will the diaspora be able to vote? If Mnangagwa will
be Zanu PF ‘s candidate in the next elections, would reforming the electoral
system aid or harm him in winning a term in the next election? It is from this premise
that I have understood that in as much as the aim of the events of the past
week was to remove Mugabe it also was meant to maintain Zanu PF hegemony and
elevate one faction. The so called “criminals” that were targeted seemed to
have been anti Mnangagwa before the “takeover” by the army. It therefore seems
that those pro Mnangagwa have not been detained or arrested yet still they may
also be alleged “criminals”. Have we not just witnessed a purge on a faction in
the form of creating a new Zimbabwe?
The history around the Gukurahundi massacres
has also resurfaced since Mnangagwa’s rise to power. Sceptics have mentioned
that the euphoric moments surrounding Mugabe’s demise have overshadowed
Mnangagwa’s past and whether he is the right man to lead Zimbabwe forward. I
choose not to dwell much on history but focus on the future. However, I’m quick
to remember the post 2008 election violence which was rumored to have been
master minded by our new president. Is it then possible that Zimbabweans get to
know how MDC activists such as Tonderai Ndira were murdered? Where and who
kidnapped Itai Dzamara? It is only fair to state that Zimbabweans need to know
the answers to all the shrouded secrecy of murders and disappearances during
the 37 years under Mugabe, to move forward. Whether or not the Mnangagwa regime
takes steps to address these issues, they are bound to be viewed upon such premises
in the next election. Yet again had it not been for Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe could
have seen the emergence of the Mugabe dynasty. The military’s role in Mnangagwa’s
ascendancy maybe criticized but the only solution to averting the Mugabe dynasty
lay in Zanu PF and the army. Zimbabweans will forever be grateful, hence
granting Zanu PF a golden ticket in the next election. The truth in all this
complex equation is that faces of leadership may have changed in Zimbabwe, but
Zanu PF is still the ruling party. Whether the individuals in the corridors of
power have become different that remains to be seen, bearing in mind that they
have been there with Mugabe in the past.
If I was in Zanu PF today, I would urge the
rebranding of the party so that it appeals to the masses which are largely the
youth. The party needs to be democratizing Zimbabwe, allowing foreign
investors, allowing people to express their freedoms be they that of expression
or association. Zanu PF has the chance to correct Mugabe and its own failure of
the past. It is probably within the party’s realms to usher Zimbabwe forward
for its own survival within a changing political environment. With the newly
elected president already chanting what used to be the opposition’s mantra
about jobs and improving the economy, Zanu PF might just be loading for a
landslide victory come next year.
Lastly congratulations to Emmerson Mnangagwa
on his inauguration and we hope you will change Zimbabwe for the best. Only
time will tell, as we rebuild our nation. Signing out GenerationX18
Nice observations....
ReplyDeleteThe only hope is that the new government makes changes that will benefit the masses
ReplyDeleteThe appointment of senior Zimbabwean military officials for top cabinet positions, what a major dent to the hopes of Zimbabweans that things could potentially change for the better.
ReplyDeleteAm not sure if this is the change every Zimbabwean has been waitng for.
ReplyDeleteNo real change will come from Zanu PF. They have never, as a party put the people's needs as their agenda. It is a party where self enrichment and personal protection is the order of the day at the expense of the masses. It is just a matter of time before they start their crap, of looting public funds, nepotism and personalising Zimbabwe as if it only belong to those went to war. We can only have Zimbabwe as a functional state when we get rid fo Zanu PF. We take Zanu PF and its selfish leaders out of the picture, then we re good to go.
ReplyDelete