RUTHLESS DICTATOR: RISE AND FALL OF ROBERT MUGABE
(Pic: Robert Mugabe)
Yesterday the military declared it has temporarily taken control of the Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe is under house arrest in Harare. Military denied that it was a coup.
Mugabe’s story much has been similar to that of Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam. Although, Ho Chi Minh could not enjoy the fruits of freedom(of Vietnam) and passed away before Vietnam become united and independent, and USA was kicked out of land. Whereas, Mugabe continued to enjoy the power for 37 years.
Both, Mugabe and Minh, have been heavily influenced by communism. Initially when Mugabe moved to Ghana, he announced himself as Marxist, and supported Ghanaian government. In 1970–80s, during struggle days, Mugabe openly identified himself as Marxist-Leninist. Minh and Mugabe, both formed sort of militant groups to fight against their occupiers.
On his return to South Rhodesia from Ghana, Mugabe witnessed black families oppressed by ‘White-Minority.’ White government took away black people’s rights. All this hurt Mugabe badly. Just as Ho Chi Minh was very impressed by ‘Soviet Style Revolution’ that he decided to fight a guerilla war with French (later with Americans) and formed a militant organization called Viet Minh, the ‘Ghanaian Style revolution’ impressed Mugabe too — and Mugabe formed militant group to fight against white occupiers. Mugabe was convicted of sedition for his anti-government activities and spent almost a decade in jail. In 1980 South Rhodesia got Independence and become, what we know today, Republic of Zimbabwe.
After Independence, Mugabe was elected Prime Minister, defeating Nkomo, who was also involved in Independence movement. Both groups clashed and there was again unrest in Zimbabwe. Thousands died in these clashes. After negotiations, Mugabe and Nkomo merged their groups and formed a government together in 1987. Mugabe was elected president of Zimbabwe and Nkomo got a place in cabinet.
Cruel Leader are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.
— Che Guevara.
A young boy(27 years old) Muammar Gaddafi came to power in 1969 after leading a bloodless coup toppling King Idris in Libya. People hailed this guy as hero and celebrated much. He ruled Libya ruthlessly for four decades and enjoyed dictatorship. After some time, people fed up and started hating his policies too. And he was killed in 2011, during Arab Spring.
As Che Guevara once said, “Cruel Leader are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.”
After a decade rule, people started disliking Mugabe too. They questioned his policies too. Mugabe seized white people's land without compensating them, he appointed his favorite people in government, and they enjoyed their post as long as they stayed faithful to Mugabe. Making ridiculously racist laws by government towards white people (British), he deteriorated foreign policy of Zimbabwe. Whoever stood against Mugabe, was subject to persecution; Not even leaders of opposition were spared. He tempered the elections to stay in power and ruled Zimbabwe like a dictator for more than three and half decades.
One of most ridiculous persecutions was, recent persecution of an American lady who ‘insulted’ Mugabe. Apparently, she faced 20 years confinement for insulting Mugabe on social media.
So yesterday, he met the fate, dictators are entitled to. We’re hoping for a better future of Zimbabwe.
Portuguese writer Jose Maria Queiroz writes, “Politicians and diapers have one thing in common; They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.”
When politicians/statesmen stay for long in power, they create mess; even if they were once celebrated among masses. Slowly slowly they forget that they’re becoming the evil they once fought against. Their foreign policy remains unchanged for long, which screws the nation– both by political and economical means.
Politicians should step down voluntarily before masses throw them off(violently). Sportsperson should retire before they become reason behind losing games for their team. Businesspeople should step down voluntarily before they make mess of company and investors kick them out. Once you enjoyed power, let the other people take lead. You had your moment. If you do so, you will be treated with deference. People will remember your legacy. Else, you will be shown the place, you belonged to.
“You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. ”
—From the movie 'Dark Knight Rises.'
