Progressive Zimbabweans end despotism

Zimbabweans have capacity to dislodge despotic Mugabe


Robert Mugabe’s arrogance, dishonor, disrespect and flagrant disregard for human rights are well chronicled. However, what is missing from all the annals is the fact that he is only human and can be humbled. How can one man hold to ransom an entire nation? How many more years should he be allowed to continue with his nefarious ways? For everything there is a season if one can borrow from the Holy Scriptures. Robert Mugabe must reap what he sowed. This writer is convinced, the determination, commitment, courage, innovation, passion, unity and astuteness of the progressive movement can rid our nation of this tyrant who has outlived his usefulness. What is required right now is an infinite capacity to strategize and mobilize as well as ending the arm-chair approach to dealing with Mugabe. Zimbabweans should derive inspiration from the opposition activists and leaders who are being arrested as the writer composes this article and not imbecile admiration to the extent of abandoning the whole struggle to these flag-bearers. Demonstrations should continue unabated and undebated in the towns of Zimbabwe whether dejury or defacto.

Latest events on the Zimbabwean political landscape range from the tragic to the insane and absurd. The arrest of Morgan Tsvangirai and his lieutenants albeit briefly, fit the former category while Gabriel Chaibva and Nathaniel Manheru’s utterances fit the latter.
This writer is perplexed by Gabriel Chaibva’s endorsement of Robert Mugabe’s announcement of the election date, March 29, 2008. The behavior of his faction is dubious and deserves the contempt it deserves. In as much as this writer accommodates opposing views, the issue of the elections was part of the negotiations and both factions participated as a single entity, therefore, this writer is convinced Welshman Ncube’s faction has lost the plot.

In spite of these internal dynamics, progressive Zimbabweans need to forge ahead with the struggle for a new political dispensation. A nation devastated by a complex and well entrenched dictatorship deserves permanent and effective solutions, not short-term concessions meant to benefit apologists of the system. The National Constitutional Assembly’s unwavering stance for a people’s constitution deserves to be immortalized.

Charles .M. Mutama writes in his personal capacity.