After 37 years in power: Mugabe in the eye of the storm

THE resignation of Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe has resonated across the region and the wider international community.

 

The veteran leader, 93, led his country from independence in 1980 until November 21, 2017. He was the world’s oldest head of state.

Mugabe’s departure came days after a surprise military takeover, amid a power struggle within the ruling ZANU-PF’s party, and unprecedented mass public protests calling for him to stand down.

The news of his resignation on Tuesday sparked scenes of jubilation in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, as thousands of cheering people poured into the streets within minutes of the announcement.

The past week’s dramatic events in Zimbabwe were watched closely by leaders in neighboring countries and around the world.

Here is how some governments and officials reacted to the news of the end of Mugabe’s era.

UNITED NATIONS

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, encouraged Zimbabweans to “maintain calm and restraint” after Mugabe’s resignation.

Farhan Haq, Guterres’ spokesman, said “the secretary-general and his predecessors have made clear that we expect all leaders to listen to their people.

“That is a cornerstone of every form of government and needs to be followed in every continent and in every nation.”

In Britain, Zimbabwe’s former colonial power, Prime Minister Theresa May said the news of Mugabe’s resignation was an opportunity to “forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule”.

“In recent days we have seen the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country’s economy under a legitimate government”, she added in a statement.

Saviour Kasukuwere, former Zimbabwean minister

Moments before Mugabe’s resignation was announced in Parliament, his longtime supporter in Zanu-PF Saviour Kasukuwere tweeted the news out.

“Addios Baba. 37 yrs of a good run. Let’s embrace the new dispensation and build our nation. Unity is strength and peace are prerequisites for progress,” Kasukuwere wrote.

Kasukuwere has taken up numerous ministerial positions in the Zimbabwean government since 2009. His last appointment was as minister of local government. He stepped down in October 2017, but he was known to be close to Robert and Grace Mugabe, going as far as ousting the latter’s critics as she rallied to become her husband’s successor

AFRICAN UNION

Alpha Conde, president of Guinea and African Union (AU) chief, said it is “a shame” Mugabe “has to leave through the back door”.

He added, however, that he was “very pleased” with Mugabe’s decision to resign, noting that the AU had warned against a coup in Zimbabwe.

Hailing Mugabe’s role in Zimbabwe’s fight for independence, Conde called Mugabe “an African hero”.

“Mugabe will never be forgotten, he was a great fighter,” he was quoted as saying by Guinean media.

UK prime minister

Despite British colonialism of Zimbabwe and the sore history that has remained, as a result, UK Prime Minister Theresa May released a statement in response to Mugabe’s resignation, describing her country as an old “friend” to Zimbabwe.

“As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend we will do all we can to support this, working with our international and regional partners to help the country achieve the brighter future it so deserves,” May said.

“The resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule. In recent days we have seen the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country’s economy under a legitimate government,” she continued in the short statement.

Boris Johnson

UK Foreign Minister said on Twitter that he does not regret Mugabe’s downfall, calling the resignation “a moment of hope for the people of Zimbabwe”.

The United States State Department released a statement congratulating the people of Zimbabwe.

“Zimbabwe has a historic opportunity to set itself on a new path. Through that process, the United States urges unwavering respect for the rule of law and for established democratic practices”, a statement by the US Embassy in Zimbabwe said.

The statement concluded by saying “the path forward must lead to free, fair, and inclusive elections, in which the people of Zimbabwe, free to assemble peacefully without undue interference and to voice their opinions without fear, choose their own leaders.”

 

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