Overview of the Current Situation in Zimbabwe

By May 2008, conditions in Zimbabwe had worsened significantly.  The once prosperous nation had been facing a sweeping cholera epidemic and a major economic downturn when they were presented with the terror campaign of corrupt leader, President Robert Mugabe.  On May 28th 2008 Africa News announced that over “50 Zimbabweans have been killed while 25,000 have been displaced countrywide in the aftermath of the March 29 harmonized elections.”  In other words, President Mugabe had been using fear as a tactic to obtain the majority vote in the upcoming June 27th election against Morgan Tsvangirai. 

The first election, held in March 2008, resulted with not one candidate reaching the “50 plus one vote under the country’s electoral act”.  Therefore, a second round was to be held on June 27th.  However, when candidate Morgan Tsvangirai, also the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), found out about the killings taking place, he withdrew from the election.  Although he withdrew, he retained confidence in eventually attaining leadership over Zimbabwe.  He reassured the people by taking an active stance against Mugabe’s terror campaign.

“We are taking down the names of those involved in these heinous crimes and we know them.  We will approach the Attorney General’s office to have these people prosecuted.  We are also committed to a process of truth and justice once we get into government.  I don’t believe anyone who has murdered a person should be forgiven,” (Morgan Tsvangirai). 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police have also been forced into support of Mugabe.  The Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front (Zanu PF), advocates for Mugabe, had informed the police to resist arresting Zanu PF officials and supporters for political violence.  With even the police force wrapped around his finger, Mugabe was able to deter Tsvangirai from running, thus winning the June 27th election. 

By December conditions had worsened.  The death toll from the cholera epidemic reached close to 600, food shortages had increased, and the prices of goods were doubling by the day.  In September, a power-sharing deal brokered by South America, was created between Mugabe and Tsvangirai.  Under this deal, no progress was made.  It simply created a “political deadlock” over how to divide the Cabinet Posts, which only worsened the crisis. 

On Wednesday, February 11th, President Mugabe swore in long-time rival Tsvangirai as the new Prime Minister.  Although, this coalition may not seem very hopeful, Mugabe’s power has been reduced significantly. Since Mugabe no longer has full power of Zimbabwe, things are somewhat promising.    A lot of its success depends on Mugabe’s willingness to cooperate with the New Prime minister.

Devising a resolution to the economic crisis that has “left millions dependent on international food aid, and caused a cholera outbreak that has killed some 3,400 people since August” is the pair’s first priority.  Tsvangirai also promised that the government “would work to get children in school, hospitals open, ‘and food back on the tables for everybody, regardless of his political affiliation.’”

The people of Zimbabwe are certainly excited about the opportunity for change.  Political detainees have been released, the Prime Minister has set a promising agenda, and even the U.S. is anxious about the new opportunity for this African nation.  Zimbabweans definitely have something to be cheering about. 

2/12/2009