On March 29, the world saw a glimmer of hope for democracy in the devastated African country of Zimbabwe. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change, won 47.9 percent of the vote – 4.7 percent more than incumbent President Robert Mugabe. Without a clear majority, though, a runoff election was required. After weeks of murders, intimidations and false arrests of opposition members and their families, Tsvangirai pulled out of the runoff, ensuring Mugabe’s victory.
This is a tragedy and a symptom of the bigger tragedy – which is the state of Zimbabwe and the situation of its people. The Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front has been ruling Zimbabwe since 1980, with Mugabe as its leader. Since then, he has established a legacy of racism, land theft, murder and economic ruin. Though seen as a savior of the nation against imperialism by some, his time has passed and the future of Zimbabwe belongs in the hands of legitimately elected Zimbabweans outside of the ZANU-PF circle of corruption.
Though the echoes of colonialism still ring throughout the nation, Zimbabwe is now independent, and with its independence comes a responsibility to build and maintain a just and freely elected government, a strong infrastructure and tolerance for diversity. These three go hand-in-hand, and without one, the others falter.
The African Union bears much of the responsibility for the misbehavior of one of its own. They still include Mugabe as a member, without sanction or censure, and are, as usual, quiet on any serious discussion of Zimbabwe’s situation. Even one of the strongest powerhouses in the region, South Africa, has only resorted to "quiet diplomacy." This is a shame. There must be a united stand in the African Union to reject the legitimacy of Mugabe and his regime and to remove him and any of his representatives from their country’s seat in the African Union.
The U.S. reaction to the runoff election last week was to label it a "sham." The Bush administration is drafting a series of sanctions, embargoes and travel restrictions for members of Mugabe’s regime. Unfortunately, this seems to be the only path to help to initiate positive change, short of military action. The U.N. should be urged to draft something similar, with unanimous approval. The administration is also prepared to restore normal relations, complete with financial aid, development assistance and medical treatment, once a legitimate regime is in place.
Mugabe’s throne of illegitimate power is built upon the corpses of his own citizens and paid for with resources stolen from exploited workers, landowners and businessmen. Mugabe was once a useful figure and his concern for Zimbabwe seemed sincere with his views of Pan-Africanism and elimination of white-minority control of the government. But now, as is common with most dictators, Mugabe’s focus is solely on the retention and increase of his own power. It is time for him to realize that he and his ideals are poison to his people, and step down.
Webb, a political science and creative writing senior, can be reached via [email protected].
