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Michael Chalk

Is an African Spring on the Horizon?

President Mnangagwa's legacy


Greetings, fellow Zims, Rhodies, and Shamwaris,


I recently came across an insightful article by Tafi Mhaka, a columnist with Al Jazeera.

In the article, Mhaka highlights a significant shift occurring across Africa, noting:-

"Young Africans from Kenya to Nigeria and from Uganda to Zimbabwe are taking a stand against corruption and inequality, demanding greater accountability from their leaders and advocating for inclusive, responsive, and transparent governance. They seek the advancement and protection of human rights and civil liberties, along with equitable access to decent employment, housing, and financial stability."


Mhaka’s article reflects the growing clamour across large parts of the continent for genuine democracy and improved governance. He observes that the current climate in sub-Saharan Africa is reminiscent of the Arab Spring over a decade ago, when calls for democratic reforms and better governance spread from Tunisia across the Middle East, sparking significant protests and a regional democratic awakening.


While Mhaka’s article might seem alarmist and sensational, it details numerous instances of poor governance and dire living conditions in many sub-Saharan countries. Zimbabwe is notably mentioned, including the recent arrest of opposition leader Jameson Timba and 78 other activists for holding an unauthorised political gathering. Mhaka also criticises President Emerson Mnangagwa's recent authoritarian warning against any form of "mischief" as Harare prepares to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government summit on August 17th.


As President Mnangagwa prepares to assume the SADC chairmanship for the next year, it is understandable that he would want to showcase Zimbabwe’s progress under his leadership since November 2017. However, his efforts to obscure the deep-seated issues within the country by constructing a few highways and staging a superficial attempt to address the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s are unlikely to deceive discerning Zimbabweans or delegates to the SADC summit.


That said, building highways and attempting to bring meaningful closure to the victims of the 5th Brigade killings in Matabeleland are worthwhile objectives. However, if President Mnangagwa believes these conveniently timed initiatives will positively recast his political legacy, he is sorely mistaken.


If the President genuinely aspires to leave a meaningful legacy, he must address three critical areas: eradicating corruption and nepotism, upholding the rule of law at all levels, and allowing democratic principles to operate freely in Zimbabwe, without intimidation, arbitrary arrest, or detention.


Yet, such changes are unlikely. Implementing them would threaten the current power structures, expose many in the ruling class to criminal investigation and potential imprisonment, and disrupt the lucrative and unmerited positions held by many of the ruling elite.


Picture of Arab Spring uprising in Tunisia.

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