Is it Independence at last for Zimbabwe Rhodesia?

I have to be honest; this was sort of a show for some of us to watch. Robert Mugabe A.K.A Old Rob was like a grandfather to every young African. While others loved him for the memes and famous “Mugabe Quotes and Proverbs”, some of us fell in love with him as a freedom fighter and a decolonial figure in the era when young Africans and the diaspora were trying to find their voice.

Old Rob was a beckon of hope and a sigh of relief. He fought for the freedom of Zimbabwe’s people and in 1980 won them independence.

Mugabe’s “legacy” and what it means for Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe has been Zimbabwe’s president since independence and has ruled the country for 34 years. Under his rule, there have been alleged reports of wide spread corruption, nepotism, impunity and in my opinion the worst economy Africa has seen in recent times. Yes, it was that bad and we can all ask our 93 year old grandpa what happened?

In as much as we love him, we cannot deny the fact that the country struggled under him. We can blame the sanctions and the role of the west, but Mugabe, the first family and some cabinet members did not help the situation. They toiled and played with the wealth of a nation as it was their playground.

Just few weeks ago, Mugabe’s son was seen flaunting a $600,000 bracelet on his instagram wall, says a lot right? When over 60% of a naturally rich country like Zimbabwe lives under $1.90 a day. The sad part of it all is it doesn’t get better with a wife like Grace Gucci, let’s forget about her for today, maybe we will talk about her some other time.

Like Zimbabwe, Do other African countries need a military Coup Detat?

On the 15th of November 2017, it happened. The military in their words were there to make things right and not arrest grandpa but some bad people around him. Well, they say it is not a coup d’état, but i am still trying to find a befitting name for it.

Maybe a coup d’Grace? because if it was not for their intervention, Gucci would have been the successor after Mugabe’s long rime allies and friend for almost 50 years Mnangagwa was sacked by Mugabe as vice president weeks earlier. Unfortunately, ZANUPF has also given up on the old man and it looks like he is alone on this one after many of his comrades from their time in the bush and other internationally recognised individuals have urged him to step down.

Looks like this is the end for the great fighter and one of Africa’s last strong men, Robert Mugabe! Was it worth the 37 years; was it worth the brutality, the sanctions? With this, is this the true freedom? Would this be the time for Zimbabwe to reach her potential and become Africa’s super power again?

My support for Mugabe based on his initial values

I have always supported comrade Robert Mugabe, unfortunately his recent regressive and divisive actions against his comrades in the struggle against colonial rule and the neo-colonial western imperialists’ usurpation of the commanding heights of the Zimbabwean economy leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

After 37 years of rule it is so disrespectful and dangerous for you to want to hand over to your wife. Zimbabwe is not a dynasty. It is about time other “Mugabes” went into retirement. We wish Zimbabwe well with her beautiful children, and let’s see what happens next…

Kemo Bojang is a young Gambian, a Champion of democracy and local government councillor in the kanifing municipal council in the Gambia. Check out his profile here.