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== Prime Minister and President == |
== Prime Minister and President == |
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He shoved out a rival politican to become President of Zimbabwe in 1980. |
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After a campaign marked by intimidation from all sides, mistrust from security forces and reports of full ballot boxes found on the road, the [[Shona people|Shona]] majority was decisive in electing Mugabe to head the first government as prime minister on [[4 March]] [[1980]]. ZANU won 57 out of 80 Common Roll seats in the new parliament, with the 20 white seats all going to the [[Rhodesian Front]]. |
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Mugabe, whose political support came from his [[Shona language|Shona-speaking]] homeland in the north, attempted to build Zimbabwe on a basis of an uneasy coalition with his [[Zimbabwe African People's Union]] (ZAPU) rivals, whose support came from the [[Sindebele language|Ndebele]]-speaking south, and with the white minority. Mugabe sought to incorporate ZAPU into his [[Zimbabwe African National Union]] (ZANU) led government and ZAPU's military wing into the army. ZAPU's leader, [[Joshua Nkomo]], was given a series of cabinet positions in Mugabe's government. However, Mugabe was torn between this objective and pressures to meet the expectations of his own ZANU followers for a faster pace of social change. |
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In 1983 Mugabe fired Nkomo from his cabinet, triggering bitter fighting between ZAPU supporters in the [[Sindebele language|Ndebele]]-speaking region of the country and the ruling ZANU. Between 1982 and 1985 the military [[Gukurahundi|crushed armed resistance]] from [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]] groups in the provinces of Matabeleland and the [[Midlands, Zimbabwe|Midlands]], leaving Mugabe's rule secure. Mugabe has been accused by the [[BBC]]'s ''Panorama'' programme of committing mass murder during this period of his rule.<ref name="silence">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/1844779.stm Mugabe: The price of silence], ''BBC'', [[10 March]] [[2002]]</ref> A peace accord was negotiated in 1987<ref>[http://www.zimbabwejournalists.com/story.php?art_id=1601&cat=5 Zimbabwejournalists.com: Calls for justice 20 years after massacre<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. ZAPU merged into the [[Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front]] (ZANU-PF) on [[December 22]], 1988.<ref name="merger">{{cite book|last=Golenpaul|first=Ann|coauthors=Dan Golenpaul|year=|title=Information Please Almanac, Atlas and Yearbook|pages=290}}</ref> Mugabe brought Nkomo into the government once again as a vice-president. |
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In 1987 the position of Prime Minister was abolished and Mugabe assumed the new office of executive President of Zimbabwe gaining additional powers in the process. He was re-elected in 1990 and 1996, and in 2002 amid claims of widespread vote-rigging and intimidation. Mugabe's term of office expired at the end of March 2008. |
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Mugabe has been the [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] of the [[University of Zimbabwe]] since Parliament passed the University of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill in November 1990.<ref name="chancellor">{{cite book|last=Human Rights Watch|first=|year=2000|title=Abdication of Responsibility: The Commonwealth and Human Rights|pages=343}}</ref> |
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===''Gukurahundi''=== |
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{{main|Gukurahundi}} |
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More than 20,000 Ndebele civilians were killed by Mugabe's North-Korean trained 5th Brigade during the ''[[Gukurahundi]]'' (“the early rain that washes away the chaff”)<ref name="manfist" /> ethnic massacres.<ref name="shirigukurahundi">{{cite book|last=Hill|first=Geoff|year=|title=The Battle for Zimbabwe: The Final Countdown|pages=78}}</ref><ref name="casualtyestimate">{{cite book|last=Breckenridge|first=Robert Edgerton|year=|title=Africa's Armies: From Honour to Infamy|pages=95}}</ref> Their leader was [[Perence Shiri]] who called himself 'Black Jesus'.<ref name="blackjesus">{{cite book|last=St. John|first=Lauren|year=|title=Rainbow's End: A Memoir of Childhood, War, and an African Farm|pages=234}}</ref> Mugabe is said to fear prosecution for this massacre, with bills calling for inquiries into the incident sometimes introduced into Parliament.<ref name="manfist" /> The opposition [[Movement for Democratic Change]] has said that if it comes to power, it will call for an international trial of the massacre.<ref name="manfist" /> Most of the 20,000 killed were innocent civilians.<ref name="economistpariah">{{cite web|url=http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9441332|title= The virtues of isolationism|accessdate=2007-07-08|publisher=''The Economist''}}</ref> |
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=== Social programs === |
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According to a 1995 [[World Bank]] report, after independence, "Zimbabwe gave priority to human resource investments and support for smallholder agriculture," and as a result, "smallholder agriculture expanded rapidly during the first half of the 1980s and social indicators improved quickly." From 1980 to 1990 [[infant mortality]] decreased from 86 to 49 per 1000 live births, under five mortality was reduced from 128 to 58 per 1000 live births, and immunisation increased from 25% to 80% of the population. Also, "[[child malnutrition]] fell from 22% to 12% and life expectancy increased from 56 to 64. By 1990, Zimbabwe had a lower infant mortality rate, higher adult literacy and higher school enrollment rate than average for developing countries."<ref name="worldbank">[http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:pwaS-G8TpZcJ:www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/1995/04/21/000009265_3961019095856/Rendered/PDF/multi0page.pdf+%22Zimbabwe:+Achieving+Shared+Growth%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=ca]</ref> |
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In 1991 the government of Zimbabwe, short on hard currency and under international pressure, embarked on an [[austerity]] program. The World Bank's 1995 report explained that such reforms were required because Zimbabwe was unable to absorb into its labour market the many graduates from its impressive education system and that it needed to attract additional foreign investments. The reforms however undermined the livelihoods of Zimbabwe's poor majority; the report noted "large segments of the population, including most smallholder farmers and small scale enterprises, find themselves in a vulnerable position with limited capacity to respond to evolving market opportunities. This is due to their limited access to natural, technical and financial resources, to the contraction of many public services for smallholder agriculture, and to their still nascent links with larger scale enterprises." |
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Moreover, these people were forced to live on marginal lands as Zimbabwe's best lands were reserved for mainly white landlords growing cash crops for export, a sector of the economy favoured by the IMF's plan. For the poor on the communal lands, "existing levels of production in these areas are now threatened by the environmental fragility of the natural resource base and the unsustainability of existing farming practices."<ref name="worldbank" /> The [[International Monetary Fund]] later suspended aid, saying reforms were "not on track." |
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According to the [[World Health Organisation]] ([[WHO]]), life expectancy at birth for Zimbabwean men is 37 years and is 34 years for women, the lowest such figures for any nation.<ref name="EXPECTANCY">[http://www.afro.who.int/home/countries/fact_sheets/zimbabwe.pdf Country Health System Fact Sheet 2006 Zimbabwe] World Health Organisation</ref> The World Bank's 1995 report predicted this decline in life expectancy from its 1990 height of 64 years when, commenting on health care system cuts mandated by the IMF structural adjustment programme, it stated that "The decline in resources is creating strains and threatening the sustainability of health sector achievements."<ref name="worldbank" /> |
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The Zimbabwe dollar suffers from the highest [[Inflation]] rate of any currency in the world. Zimbabwe official statistics reveal that the annualised inflation rate for September 2006 was 1000%. The International Monetary Fund ([[International Monetary Fund|IMF]]), in its ''World Economic Outlook'' database, reported inflation in 2006 at 1216%.<ref name="forecast">[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/pdf/weo0906.pdf World Economic Outlook: World Economic and Financial Surveys, September 2006, Page 65] International Monetary Fund.</ref> Inflation reached 9,000% on [[June 21]],<ref>CCN News [http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/06/21/zimbabwe.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest ''Zimbabwe currency crashes; inflation as high as 9,000%''] retrieved [[July 4]] [[2007]]</ref> and 11,000% on [[June 22]], 2007<ref>BBC News [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6229284.stm ''US says Zimbabwe change is afoot''] retrieved [[July 4]] [[2007]]</ref>. It continues to climb rapidly, and reportedly exceeds 100,000% as of April 2008. <ref>Reuters Africa [http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL03586886.html] retrieved [[April 3]] [[2007]]</ref> |
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While Zimbabwe has suffered in many other measures under Mugabe, as a former schoolteacher he has been well-known for his commitment to education. <ref name="manfist" /> However, Catholic Archbishop of Zimbabwe [[Pius Ncube]] decried the educational situation in the country, saying, among other scathing indictments of Mugabe, "We had the best education in Africa and now our schools are closing."<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article2010591.ece Zimbabwe’s top cleric urges Britain to invade] [[The Sunday Times]], July 1, 2007</ref> |
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=== Views on homosexuality === |
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Mugabe has waged a violent [[Gay rights in Zimbabwe|campaign against homosexual]]s, arguing that prior to colonisation Zimbabweans did not engage in homosexual acts.<ref name="HOMO">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN030647770X&id=ezBvVdRnWKsC&pg=PA213&lpg=PA213&ots=6IWk0seKwp&dq=Mugabe+moral+campaign+homosexuality&sig=tzSDUBuYv5c6Y8admBfF-Y-Azbo Page 213] ''Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender: Men and Women in the World's Cultures''</ref> His first major public condemnation of homosexuality<!-- Perhaps mention a couple of the subsequent ones to cite "the first"? --> came in 1995 during the Zimbabwe International Book Fair in August 1995.<ref name="ZIB">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0773527516&id=LvxMq2hNzm0C&pg=PA180&lpg=PA180&ots=xI8D2NLVGn&dq=Mugabe+moral+campaign+homosexuality&sig=-81GDIVzFqwX10TbJjaRAXlT2TE#PPA180,M1 Page 180] ''Hungochani: The History of a Dissident Sexuality in Southern Africa''</ref> He told the audience that homosexuality |
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<blockquote> |
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degrades human dignity. It's unnatural and there is no question ever of allowing these people to behave worse than dogs and pigs. If dogs and pigs do not do it, why must human beings? We have our own culture, and we must re-dedicate ourselves to our traditional values that make us human beings... What we are being persuaded to accept is sub-animal behaviour and we will never allow it here. If you see people parading themselves as lesbians and gays, arrest them and hand them over to the police!<ref name="GAYRANT">[http://www.kaiwright.com/gayzimbabwe_more.php?id=101_0_25_0_M Under African Skies, Part I: 'Totally unacceptable to cultural norms'] Kaiwright.com</ref> |
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</blockquote> |
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In September 1995, Zimbabwe's parliament introduced legislation banning homosexual acts.<ref name="ZIB" /> In 1997 a court found [[Canaan Banana]], Mugabe's predecessor and the first President of Zimbabwe, guilty of 11 counts of sodomy and indecent assault.<ref name="BANANAtrial">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN9042016264&id=PFvYzAUheGkC&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&ots=0hbU6n9tV1&dq=Canaan+Banana+homosexual&sig=2cfQK_-ufIaV-egJ-ob6Wfu2kkQ Page 93] ''Body, Sexuality, and Gender v. 1''</ref> Banana's trial proved embarrassing for Mugabe, when Banana's accusers alleged that Mugabe knew about Banana's conduct and had done nothing to stop it.<ref name="bananadeath">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/zimbabwe/article/0,2763,1082496,00.html Canaan Banana, president jailed in sex scandal, dies] ''The Guardian''</ref> |
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=== Second Congo War === |
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Mugabe was blamed for Zimbabwe's participation in the [[Second Congo War#Factions in the Congo conflict|Second Congo War]] in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]]. At a time when the [[Economy of Zimbabwe|Zimbabwean economy]] was struggling, Zimbabwe responded to a call by the [[Southern African Development Community]] to help the struggling regime in [[Kinshasa]]. The Democratic Republic of the Congo had been invaded by [[Rwanda]] and [[Uganda]], both of which claimed that their civilians, and regional stability, were under constant threat of attack by various terrorist groups based in the Congo.<ref name="ICG Nov98">[http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=1423&l=1 Congo At War: A Briefing of the Internal and External Players in the Central African Conflict], [[International Crisis Group]], [[17 November]] [[1998]]</ref> However, the Congolese government, as well as international commentators, charged that the motive for the invasion was to grab the rich mineral resources of eastern Congo.<ref>Lasker, John, [http://towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/1229/1/ Resource Wars in Africa: AFRICOM and the Reach of US Corporations,] ''Toward Freedom'', April 18, 2008</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4061793.stm DR Congo troops 'to repel Rwanda'], BBC, Dec. 3, 2004</ref> The war raised accusations of corruption, with officials alleged to be plundering the Congo's [[mineral]] reserves. Mugabe's defence minister [[Moven Mahachi]] said, "Instead of our army in the DRC burdening the treasury for more resources, which are not available, it embarks on viable projects for the sake of generating the necessary revenue."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/611898.stm Mugabe's costly Congo venture] ''BBC''</ref> |
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=== Land reform === |
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{{Main|Land reform in Zimbabwe}} |
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When Zimbabwe gained independence 46.5% of the country's [[arable]] land was owned by around 6,000 commercial farmers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Chigara|first=Ben|year=2002|title=Land Reform Policy|publisher=Ashgate Publishing|page=52|ISBN=0754622932}}</ref> Mugabe accepted a "willing buyer, willing seller" plan as part of the Lancaster House Agreement of 1979, among other concessions to the white minority.<ref name="WILLING">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN081477542X&id=ElOl_a0Rb9AC&pg=PA301&lpg=PA301&ots=LHJcWuepy9&dq=Mugabe+%22willing+buyer,+willing+seller%22&sig=CO_KQT9eoFfdN470PDQUvtZgglg#PPA302,M1 Page 302] ''Big Men, Little People: The Leaders Who Defined Africa''</ref> As part of this agreement, land redistribution was blocked for a period of 10 years.<ref name="YEARS">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1586482467&id=YcjJ10lhqIkC&pg=PA619&lpg=PA619&ots=ToRsmHOhme&dq=Mugabe+redistribution+ten+years&sig=ldsCh6CyDFw-eIc-PvLYYwpEysY 619] ''The Fate of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence''</ref> |
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In 1997, the new British government led by [[Tony Blair]] unilaterally stopped funding the "willing buyer, willing seller" land reform programme on the basis that the initial [[GBP|£]]44 million allocated under the [[Margaret Thatcher|Thatcher]] government was used to purchase land for members of the ruling elite rather than landless peasants. Furthermore, Britain's ruling Labour Party felt no obligation to continue paying white farmers compensation, or in minister [[Clare Short]]'s words, "I should make it clear that we do not accept that Britain has a special responsibility to meet the costs of land purchase in Zimbabwe. We are a new Government from diverse backgrounds without links to former colonial interests. My own origins are Irish and as you know we were colonised not colonisers."<ref>[http://www.swans.com/library/art9/ankomah5.html Zimbabwe: The Spark...Claire Short's letter of November 1997], by Baffour Ankomah, [[31 March]] [[2003]]</ref> |
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Some commentators, such as Matthew Sweet in the ''London Independent'', hold [[Cecil Rhodes]] ultimately responsible: |
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<blockquote>But it was Cecil Rhodes who originated the racist 'land grabs' to which Zimbabwe's current miseries can ultimately be traced. It was Rhodes who in 1887 told the House Of Assembly in Capetown,South Africa that 'the native is to be treated as a child and denied the franchise.We must adopt a system on despotism in our relations with the barbarians of Southern Africa... I personally prefer land to niggers.'<ref>Sweet, Matthew, [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020316/ai_n12600676 "A Bad Man in Africa,"] ''London Independent'', March 16, 2002</ref></blockquote> |
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On 12 to [[13 February]] [[2000]], [[Zimbabwean constitutional referendum, 2000|a referendum]] was held on a new [[constitution]]. The proposed change would have limited future presidents to two terms, but as it was not retroactive, Mugabe could have stood for another two terms. It also would have made his government and military officials immune from prosecution for any illegal acts committed while in office. In addition, it allowed the government to confiscate white-owned land for redistribution to black farmers without compensation. The motion failed with 55% of participants against the referendum.<ref name="CONSTREF">[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0749440651&id=IEfzrFNicNkC&pg=RA7-PA372&lpg=RA7-PA372&ots=hxNyGgpjJJ&dq=Mugabe+Constitution+2000+February+12&sig=01pjadymQ5N5OHGmuXfPG1ETsFI#PRA7-PA372,M1 Page 372] ''Africa Review 2003/2004''</ref> The referendum had a 20% turnout fuelled by an effective [[Text messaging|SMS]] campaign. Mugabe declared that he would "abide by the will of the people". The vote was a surprise to [[ZANU-PF]], and an embarrassment before parliamentary elections due in mid-April. Almost immediately, self-styled "war veterans", led by [[Chenjerai Hunzvi|Chenjerai 'Hitler' Hunzvi]], began invading white-owned farms. On [[April 6]], [[2000]], Parliament pushed through an amendment, taken word for word from the draft constitution that was rejected by voters, allowing the seizure of white-owned farmlands without due reimbursement or payment<ref>[http://www.kubatana.net/docs/legisl/constitution_zim_000420.pdf Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chapter III, Section 16, p. 10.]</ref>. |
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Since these actions, agricultural production has plummeted and the economy is crippled. Once the "bread basket" of southern Africa and a major agricultural exporter, Zimbabwe now depends on food programs and support from outside to feed its population.<ref name="telegraphban" /> A third of the population depends on food supplies from the [[World Food Programme]] to avoid starvation.<ref name="telegraphban" /> |
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On [[December 8]], [[2003]], in protest against a further 18 months of suspension from the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] (thereby cutting foreign aid to Zimbabwe), Mugabe withdrew his country from the Commonwealth. Mugabe informed the leaders of [[Jamaica]], [[Nigeria]] and [[South Africa]] of his decision when they telephoned him to discuss the situation. Zimbabwe's government said the President did not accept the Commonwealth's position, and was leaving the group<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s1005877.htm PM - Zimbabwe leaves the Commonwealth<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. |
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The [[United Nations]] provoked anger when its Food and Agriculture Organisation invited Mugabe to speak at a celebration of its 60th anniversary in [[Rome]]. Critics of the move argued that since Mugabe could not feed his own people without the UN's support, he was an inappropriate speaker for the group, which has a mission statement of "helping to build a world without hunger."<ref name="telegraphban" /> |
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In 2005 Mugabe ordered a raid conducted on what the government termed "illegal shelters" in Harare, resulting in 10,000 urban poor being left homeless from "[[Operation Murambatsvina|Operation Murambatsvina]] (English: Operation Drive Out the Rubbish)." The authorities themselves had moved the poor inhabitants to the area in 1992, telling them not to build permanent homes and that their new homes were temporary, leading the inhabitants to build their own temporary shelters out of cardboard and wood.<ref name="telegraphtatters">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/03/wzim03.xml|title=Mugabe's raids leave townships in tatters|date=2005-03-06|Publisher=''Telegraph''}}</ref> Since the inhabitants of the shantytowns overwhelmingly supported the [[Movement for Democratic Change]] opposition party in the previous election, many alleged that the mass bulldozing was politically motivated.<ref name="telegraphtatters" /> The UK's ''Daily Telegraph'' noted that Mugabe's "latest palace," in the style of a [[pagoda]], was located a mile from the destroyed shelters.<ref name="telegraphtatters" /> The UN released a report stating that the actions of Mugabe resulted in the loss of home or livelihood for more than 700,000 Zimbabweans and negatively affected 2.4 million more.<ref name="telegraphban">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/17/wzim17.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/10/17/ixnewstop.html|title=Mugabe to speak at hunger debate as he defies EU travel ban again|accessdate=2007-07-08|publisher=''Telegraph''}}</ref> |
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As of September 2006, Mugabe's family owns three farms: ''Highfield Estate'' in Norton, 45 km west of [[Harare]], ''Iron Mask Estate'' in Mazowe, about 40 km from Harare, and ''Foyle Farm'' in [[Mazowe]], formerly owned by Ian Webster and adjacent to Iron Mask Farm, renamed to ''Gushungo Farm'' after Mugabe's own clan name.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=vn20060910094256803C161292 Mugabe seizes third farm for himself], ''IOL'', [[10 September]] [[2006]]</ref> These farms were seized forcibly from their previous owners<ref>[http://iwpr.net/?p=acr&s=f&o=338520&apc_state=henh Harare Losing Key Allies<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. |
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Mugabe blames the food shortages on [[drought]].<ref name="telegraphban" /> Zimbabwe's state-owned press accused former British Prime Minister Tony Blair of using [[chemical weapons]] to incite droughts and famines in Africa.<ref name="telegraphban" /> |
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=== Elections === |
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Mugabe faced [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] of the [[Movement for Democratic Change]] (MDC) in presidential elections in March 2002.<ref name="pressure">[http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/africa/03/17/zimbabwe.mugabe.0430/index.html?related West boycotts Mugabe ceremony] CNN</ref> Mugabe defeated Tsvangirai by 56.2% to 41.9% amid violence and the prevention of large numbers of citizens in urban areas from voting. The conduct of the elections was widely viewed internationally as having been manipulated.<ref name="elecresults">[http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0314/p01s02-woaf.htm Mugabe wins as tension hangs over Zimbabwe] Christian Science Monitor</ref><ref name="elecurban">[http://www.prairienet.org/acas/edge/zimmclaughlin.html Zimbabwe: A Dream Betrayed] Association of Concerned Africa Scholars On the Edge Commentary</ref> Many groups, such as the [[United States]], the [[European Union]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Morgan Tsvangirai]]'s [[Movement for Democratic Change]] (MDC), assert that the turnout was rigged.<ref name="pressure" /> |
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On [[July 3]], [[2004]] a report adopted by the [[African Union]] executive council, which comprises foreign ministers of the 53 member states, criticized the government for the arrest and torture of opposition members of parliament and [[human rights]] lawyers, the arrest of journalists, the stifling of freedom of expression and clampdowns on other civil liberties. It was compiled by the AU's [[African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights]], which sent a mission to Zimbabwe from [[June 24]] to 28 2002, shortly after the presidential elections. The report was apparently not submitted to the AU's 2003 summit because it had not been translated into [[French language|French]]. It was adopted at the next AU summit in 2005<ref>[http://www.opendemocracy.net/democracy-africa_democracy/african_union_3221.jsp The African Union: what's in a name? | openDemocracy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. |
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Mugabe's ZANU-PF party won the [[Zimbabwe parliamentary elections, 2005|2005 parliamentary elections]] with an increased majority. The elections were said by (again) South African observers to "reflect the free will of the people of Zimbabwe", despite accusations of widespread fraud from the MDC.<ref name="reflectwill">[http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3387&l=2 Let's turn the screw on Robert Mugabe] Peter Kagwanja and Alba Lamberti. ''European Voice'' via International Crisis Group</ref> |
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On [[February 6]], 2007 Mugabe orchestrated a cabinet reshuffle, ousting ministers including five-year veteran finance minister [[Herbert Murerwa]]<ref>[http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/feb8_2007.html The Zimbabwe Situation<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. |
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On [[March 11]], 2007 opposition leader [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] was arrested and beaten following a prayer meeting in the Harare suburb of Highfields. Another member of the [[Movement for Democratic Change]] was killed while other protesters were injured.<ref> [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aCrlbHp0b3fU&refer=home Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai Has Brain Scan, Was Hurt While in Custody], ''Bloomberg'', [[14 March]] [[2007]]</ref> Mugabe claimed that "Tsvangirai deserved his beating-up by police because he was not allowed to attend a banned rally" on [[March 30]] [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_headline=mugabe-thug-rant--%26method=full%26objectid=18836752%26siteid=89520-name_page.html MUGABE THUG RANT], ''Mirror'', [[31 March]] [[2007]]</ref> |
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==== General elections 2008 ==== |
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{{future election candidate|article|date=February 2008}} |
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{{main|Zimbabwean presidential election, 2008}} |
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Mugabe launched his election campaign on his birthday in [[Beitbridge]], a small town on the border with [[South Africa]] on [[23 February]] [[2008]] by denouncing both the opposition [[MDC]] and [[Simba Makoni]]'s candidacy. He was quoted in the state media as saying: "Dr [[Makoni]] lacked majority support while Mr [[Tsvangirai]] was in the presidential race simply to please his Western backers in exchange for money."<ref>President writes off opposition[http://www.sundaymail.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=1099&cat=12](accessed 02/25/2008)</ref> These are the charges he has used in the past to describe the leader of the opposition. |
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In the week [[Dr. Makoni]] launched his campaign for the presidency, he accused [[Mugabe]] of buying votes from the electorate. This was a few hours after [[Dumiso Dabengwa]] had come out and endorsed [[Dr. Makoni]]'s candidature. <ref>Makoni accusses Mugabe of vote buying[http://www.talkzimbabwe.com/news/117/ARTICLE/1766/2008-03-02.html](accessed on 03/02/2008)</ref> |
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On [[2 April]] [[2008]], The Zimbabwe election commission confirmed that Mr. Mugabe and his party, known as ZANU-PF, lost control of Parliament. According to unofficial polling, Zanu-PF took 94 seats, and the main opposition party MDC took 96 seats.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7326968.stm Mugabe's Zanu-PF loses majority] BBC News [[3 April]] [[2008]] </ref>. On [[3 April]] [[2008]] Zimbabwean government forces began cracking down on the main opposition party and arresting at least two foreign journalists covering the disputed presidential election, including a correspondent for The New York Times. |
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<ref> [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/04/03/zimbabwe.election/index.html Raids target Zimbabwe opposition party] CNN [[3 April]] [[2008]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/world/africa/04zimbabwe.html New Signs of Mugabe Crackdown in Zimbabwe] New York Times [[3 April]] [[2008]]</ref> |
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When British Prime Minister [[Gordon Brown]] attempted to intervene into the election controversy, Mugabe dismissed him as "a little tiny dot on this planet." <ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3736589.ece Robert Mugabe: Gordon Brown just ‘a tiny dot’] ''Times Online'' April 13 2008</ref> |
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=== Criticism and opposition === |
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[[Image:Demonstration against Mugabe.JPG|thumb|260px|Example of foreign criticism: a demonstration against Mugabe's regime next to the Zimbabwe embassy in [[London]] (Summer 2006).]] |
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Mugabe's critics accuse him of conducting a "reign of terror",<ref name="telegraphtatters" /><ref>The Spectator [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3724/is_200506/ai_n14902405 ''Dictators' legacies''] retrieved from FindArticles.com on [[July 7]] [[2007]]</ref> and being an 'extremely poor role model' for the continent, whose 'transgressions' are 'unpardonable'.<ref>Tribune India [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031213/edit.htm ''Commonwealth at crossroads 52 heads failed to look beyond Zimbabwe!''] retrieved [[July 7]] [[2007]]</ref> In solidarity with the April 2007 general strike called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), British [[Trades Union Congress]] General Secretary [[Brendan Barber]] said of Mugabe's regime: 'Zimbabwe's people are suffering from Mugabe's appalling economic mismanagement, corruption and brutal repression. They are standing up for their rights, and we must stand with them." Lela Kogbara, Chair of ACTSA (Action for Southern Africa) similarly has said: "As with every oppressive regime women and workers are left bearing the brunt. Please join us as we stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle for peace, justice and freedom."<ref>National Union of Mineworkers [http://www.num.org.uk/?p=news&c=num&ni=4 ''TUC Backs Zimbabwe's Trade Unions] retrieved [[July 7]] [[2007]]</ref> |
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[[Robert Guest]], the Africa editor for ''The Economist'' for seven years, argues that Mugabe is to blame for Zimbabwe's economic freefall. "In 1980, the average annual income in Zimbabwe was US$950, and a Zimbabwean dollar was worth more than an American one. By 2003, the average income was less than US$400, and the Zimbabwean economy was in freefall.<ref>Guest, Robert. ''The Shackled Continent: Africa's Past, Present and Future''. Pan Books, 2005.</ref> "[Mugabe] has ruled Zimbabwe for nearly three decades and has led it, in that time, from impressive success to the most dramatic peacetime collapse of any country since [[Weimar Republic|Weimar Germany]]".<ref name="manfist" /> |
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In the ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' of London, Mugabe was criticised for comparing himself to [[Hitler]]. Mugabe was quoted as saying "This Hitler has only one objective: justice for his people, sovereignty for his people, recognition of the independence of his people and their rights over their resources. If that is Hitler, then let me be a Hitler tenfold."<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/03/26/wzim26.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/03/26/ixworld.html 'Hitler' Mugabe launches revenge terror attacks - Telegraph<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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In recent years, Western governments have condemned Mugabe's government. On [[9 March]] [[2003]], [[U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]] approved measures for [[economic sanctions]] to be leveled against Mugabe and other high-ranking Zimbabwe politicians, freezing their assets and barring Americans from engaging in any transactions or dealings with them. Justifying the move, Bush's spokesman stated that the President and Congress believe that "the situation in Zimbabwe endangers the southern African region and threatens to undermine efforts to foster good governance and respect for the rule of law throughout the continent." The bill was known as the [[Zimbabwe Democracy Act]].<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011221-15.html President Signs Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act] [[21 December]][[2001]]</ref> |
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In reaction to human rights violations in Zimbabwe, students at universities from which Mugabe has honorary doctorates have sought to get the degrees revoked. So far, the [[University of Edinburgh]] has stripped Mugabe of his honorary degree<ref> [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6724271.stm Mugabe stripped of degree honour], ''BBC'', [[6 June]] [[2007]]</ref> after years of campaigning from their [[Edinburgh University Students' Association|student union]]. In addition, the student body at [[Michigan State University]] ([[Michigan State University#Associated Students of Michigan State University|ASMSU]]) unanimously passed a resolution calling for this. The issue is now being considered by the university<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/04/06/umass_students_aim_to_revoke_honorary_degree_for_mugabe/ UMass students aim to revoke honorary degree for Mugabe - The Boston Globe<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. |
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Mugabe's office forbade the screening of the 2005 movie ''[[The Interpreter]]'', claiming that it was propaganda by the [[CIA]] and fearing that it could incite hostility towards him.<ref>[http://zimdaily.com/news2/article.php?story=20050922044503539 Rainbow Banned From Screening "Anti-Mugabe" Movie], ''ZimDaily'', [[23 September]] [[2005]]</ref> |
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An official from [[Chatham House]] suggested that Mugabe was unlikely to leave Zimbabwe, but that if he were to leave, he might go to [[Malaysia]], where some believe that he has "stashed much of his wealth." <ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/02/wzim502.xml Robert Mugabe 'unlikely to flee Zimbabwe',] ''Daily Telegraph'', 4.4.2008</ref>. |
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In response to Mugabe's critics, former [[Zambia|Zambian]] leader [[Kenneth Kaunda]] was quoted blaming not Mugabe for Zimbabwe's troubles, but successive British governments.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6960506.stm Peter Biles: "Mugabe's hold on Africans."] ''BBC News'' website, 25 August 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2007.</ref> He wrote in June 2007 that "leaders in the West say Robert Mugabe is a demon, that he has destroyed Zimbabwe and he must be got rid of - but this demonising is made by people who may not understand what Robert Gabriel Mugabe and his fellow freedom fighters went through."<ref name="KK1">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6728015.stm Viewpoint: Kaunda on Mugabe] BBC 12 June 2007</ref> Similarly, [[Senegal|Senegalese]] President [[Abdoulaye Wade]], responded to his critics by saying that Zimbabwe's problems are the legacy of [[colonialism]].<ref>"[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6315084.html Colonial history tugs at EU-Africa ties]," ''[[People's Daily]]''</ref> |
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=== European Union travel ban === |
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After observers from the [[European Union]] were barred from examining Zimbabwe's 2002 elections, the EU imposed a ban on Mugabe and 94 members of his government. The United States instituted a similar ban. The EU's ban has a few loopholes, resulting in Mugabe taking a few trips into Europe despite the ban. Mugabe is allowed to travel to UN events within European and American borders.<ref name="popefuneral">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7357164/page/5/|title=•MUGABE DEFIES EU, FLIES TO ROME|accessdate=2007-07-08|publisher= MSNBC}}</ref> |
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On [[April 8]], [[2005]], Mugabe attended the [[funeral of Pope John Paul II]], a move which could be seen as defiance of a European Union travel ban that does not, however, apply to [[Vatican City]]. He was granted a transit visa by the [[Italy|Italian]] authorities, as they are obliged to under the [[Lateran treaties|Concordat]]. However, the Catholic hierarchy in Zimbabwe have been very vocal against his rule and the senior Catholic cleric, [[Archbishop]] [[Pius Ncube]] is a major critic, even calling for Western governments to help in his overthrow.<ref>[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04397126.htm ''Mugabe warns Catholic bishops over politics''] [[Reuters]] retrieved [[4 July]] [[2007]]</ref><ref name="popefuneral">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7357164/page/5/|title= MUGABE DEFIES EU, FLIES TO ROME|accessdate= 2007-07-08|publisher=MSNBC}}</ref> Mugabe surprised [[Charles, Prince of Wales|Prince Charles]] by shaking his hand during the service. Afterwards, the Prince's office released a statement saying, "The Prince of Wales was caught by surprise and not in a position to avoid shaking Mr Mugabe’s hand. The Prince finds the current Zimbabwean regime abhorrent. He has supported the Zimbabwe Defence and Aid Fund which works with those being oppressed by the regime. The Prince also recently met [[Pius Ncube]], the Archbishop of Bulawayo, an outspoken critic of the government."<ref name="charlesshake">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article378880.ece|title=Charles shakes hands with Mugabe at Pope's funeral|accessdate=2007-07-08|publisher=''Times''}}</ref> |
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Prior to the ban, one of Mugabe's favourite pastimes was to travel to [[London]].<ref name="manfist" /> |
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=== US travel ban === |
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Robert Mugabe and senior members of the Harare government are not allowed to travel to the [[United States]] because it is the position of the US government that he has worked to undermine democracy in Zimbabwe and has restricted freedom of the press.<ref>[http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20051123.shtml Recent OFAC Actions], US Dept. of Treasury, November 23, 2005 (accessed 02/07/2008)</ref> Despite strained political relations, the United States remains a leading provider of humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe, providing roughly $400 million in humanitarian assistance from 2002-2007, mostly food aid.<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5479.htm U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs, February 2008 (accessed 04/02/2008)</ref> |
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=== Succession === |
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As one of Africa's longest-lasting leaders, speculation has built over the years as to the future of Zimbabwe after Mugabe leaves office. His age and recurring rumours of failing health have focused more attention on possible successors within his party as well as the opposition. The [[March 11]], [[2007]] crackdown against a religious gathering sponsored by the opposition attracted scrutiny.<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/activist-held-in-zimbabwe-crackdown/2007/03/13/1173722435481.html "Activist held in Zimbabwe crackdown"]</ref> |
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In June 2005 a report that Mugabe had entered a hospital for tests on his heart fueled rumours that he had died of a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]];<ref>[http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1118181942421_110/?hub=World Zimbabwe denies reports Robert Mugabe is dead], ''CTV'', [[7 June]] [[2005]]</ref> these reports were dismissed by a Mugabe spokesman. This coincided with [[Operation Murambatsvina]] (or "Drive Out Trash"), a police campaign to demolish houses and businesses that had been built without permission on land previously taken from white landholders and intended for redistribution. Opponents called this an attempt to disperse urban centres of dissent into rural areas where the government had more control. Former information minister [[Jonathan Moyo]] attributed the events to a power struggle within the party over who would succeed Mugabe. |
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[[Joyce Mujuru]], recently elevated to vice-president of [[ZANU-PF]] during the December 2004 party congress and considerably younger than [[Joseph Msika]], the other vice-president, has been mentioned as a likely successor to Mugabe. Joyce Mujuru's candidacy for the presidency is strengthened by the backing of her husband, [[Solomon Mujuru]], who is the former head of the Zimbabwean army. |
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In October 2006, a report prepared by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Economic Development acknowledged the lack of coordination among critical government departments in Zimbabwe and the overall lack of commitment to end the crisis. The report implied that the infighting in Zanu-PF over Mugabe's successor was also hurting policy formulation and consistency in implementation.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=68&art_id=vn20061026125417216C687440 Zim government in chaos, says secret report] ''IOL''</ref> |
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In late 2006 a plan was presented to postpone the [[Zimbabwe presidential election, 2008|next presidential election]] until 2010, at the same time as the next parliamentary election, thereby extending Mugabe's term by two years. It was said that holding the two elections together would be a cost-saving measure.<ref>[http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=56746&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=ZIMBABWE "Mugabe set to rule until 2010"], IRIN, 14 December 2006.</ref> However, this plan was not approved and there were reportedly objections from some in ZANU-PF to the idea. In March 2007 Mugabe said that he thought the feeling was in favour of holding the two elections together in 2008 instead of 2010. He also said that he would be willing to run for re-election again if the party wanted him to run.<ref>[http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=2646&art_id=nw20070312100037450C498654 "Mugabe ready for 2008 elections"], DPA (''IOL''), 12 March 2007.</ref> Other leaders in Southern Africa were rumoured to be less warm on the idea of extending his term to 2010; recently, at the independence celebrations in Ghana, South African President Thabo Mbeki was rumoured to have met with Mugabe in private and told him that "he was determined that South Africa's hosting of the Football World Cup in 2010 should not be disrupted by controversial presidential elections in Zimbabwe."<ref>BBC News [http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6451349.stm ''S Africa changes tune on Zimbabwe''] retrieved [[July 4]] [[2007]]</ref> |
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On [[March 30]] [[2007]], it was announced that the ZANU-PF central committee had chosen Mugabe as the party's candidate for another term in 2008, that presidential terms would be shortened to five years, and that the parliamentary election would also be held in 2008.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Zimbabwes-Mugabe-to-stand-in-2008-poll/2007/03/31/1174761793434.html "Zimbabwe's Mugabe to stand in 2008 poll"], Reuters (''Sydney Morning Herald''), March 31, 2007.</ref> Mugabe was chosen by acclamation as the party's presidential candidate for 2008 by ZANU-PF delegates at a party conference on [[December 13]] [[2007]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7142758.stm "Mugabe to run again for Zanu-PF"], BBC News, December 13, 2007.</ref> |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
Revision as of 10:57, 23 April 2008
Robert Gabriel Mugabe | |
---|---|
President of Zimbabwe | |
Assumed office 31 December 1987 | |
Vice President | Simon Muzenda Joshua Nkomo Joseph Msika Joyce Mujuru |
Preceded by | Canaan Banana |
Prime Minister of Zimbabwe | |
In office 18 April 1980 – 31 December 1987 | |
President | Canaan Banana |
Preceded by | Abel Muzorewa (Zimbabwe Rhodesia) |
Succeeded by | Post abolished |
Secretary General of Non-Aligned Movement | |
In office 06 September 1986 – 07 September 1989 | |
Preceded by | Zail Singh |
Succeeded by | Janez Drnovšek |
Personal details | |
Born | Kutama, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia | 21 February 1924
Political party | ZANU-PF |
Spouse(s) | Sally Hayfron (deceased) Grace Marufu |
Alma mater | University of Fort Hare University of London University of South Africa |
Signature | |
Robert Mugabe, KCB (born on February 21, 1924) is the President of Zimbabwe. He has served as the head of government in Zimbabwe since 1980, as Prime Minister from 1980 to 1987 and as the first executive President since 1987.[1] He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in guerrilla warfare against white-minority rule in Rhodesia in the Bush War (1964–1979).
Emerging from the war, he was hailed by Africans as a hero.[2][3] After a costly intervention in the Second Congo War and mass expropriation of white-owned farmland, Western opinion turned sharply against Mugabe, and various forms of economic sanctions and reductions in aid were imposed. Zimbabwe's economy spiraled downward, leading to food and oil shortages, hyperinflation, and massive emigration. During this recent period his policies have been denounced in the West and at home as racist against Zimbabwe's white minority.[4][5][6] Mugabe has described his critics as "born again colonialists,"[7][8] and both he and his supporters claim that Zimbabwe's problems are the legacy of imperialism,[9] aggravated by Western economic meddling. On 3 April 2008, it was announced in the world press that the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change was claiming to have won control of the parliament. This was confirmed when the results were released, but is currently being disputed.[10]
Early life
Mugabe was born in Matibiri village near Kutama Mission in the Zvimba District northeast of Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia. He had two older brothers, with one of them, Michael, was very popular in the village. Both his older brothers died, leaving Robert and his younger brother, Donato.[11] His father, Gabriel Mugabe Matibiri, a carpenter,[12] abandoned the Mugabe family in 1934 after Michael died, in search of work in Bulawayo.[13] Mugabe was raised as a Roman Catholic, studying in Marist Brothers and Jesuit schools, including the exclusive Kutama College, headed by an Irish priest, Father Jerome O'Hea, who took him under his wing. He was bookish and very close to his mother in his youth.[12]. He qualified as a teacher, but left to study at Fort Hare in South Africa graduating in 1951 while meeting contemporaries such as Julius Nyerere, Herbert Chitepo, Robert Sobukwe and Kenneth Kaunda. He then studied at Driefontein in 1952, Salisbury (1953), Gwelo (1954), and Tanzania (1955–1957).
Originally graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Fort Hare in 1951, Mugabe subsequently earned six further degrees through distance learning including a Bachelor of Administration and Bachelor of Education from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Science and Master of Laws, all from the University of London External Programme.[14] The two Law degrees were taken whilst he was in prison, whilst the Master of Science degree was taken during his premiership of Zimbabwe.[15]
After graduating, Mugabe lectured at Chalimbana Teacher Training College, in Zambia from 1955–1958, thereafter he taught at Apowa Secondary School at Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana (1958 – 1960) where he met Sally Hayfron, who later became his first wife. During his stay in Ghana, he was influenced and inspired by Ghana's then-Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah. In addition, Mugabe and some of his Zimbabwe African National Union party cadres received instruction at the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute, then at Winneba in southern Ghana.[16][17]
Early political career
Mugabe returned to Southern Rhodesia and joined the National Democratic Party in 1960.[18] The administration of Prime Minister Ian Smith immediately banned the NDP when it later became Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU). Mugabe left ZAPU in 1963 to join the rival Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) which had been formed in 1963 by the Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, Edgar Tekere, Edson Zvobgo, Enos Nkala and lawyer Herbert Chitepo. ZANU was influenced by the Africanist ideas of the Pan Africanist Congress in South Africa[19] and influenced by Maoism while ZAPU was an ally of the African National Congress and was a supporter of a more orthodox pro-Soviet line on national liberation. Similar divisions can also be seen in the liberation movement in Angola between the MPLA and UNITA.It would have been easy for the party to split along tribal lines between the Ndebele and Mugabe's own Shona tribe, but cross-tribal representation was maintained by his partners. ZANU leader Sithole nominated Robert Mugabe as his Secretary General.
In 1964 he was arrested for “subversive speech” and spent the next 10 years in prison. During that period he earned three degrees, including a law degree from London and a bachelor of administration from the University of South Africa by correspondence courses. Smith did not allow Mugabe out of prison to attend the funeral of Mugabe's four-year-old son.[12] In 1974, while still in prison, Mugabe was elected -- with the powerful influence of Edgar Tekere -- to take over the reigns of ZANU after a no-confidence vote was passed on Ndabaningi Sithole (Mugabe himself abstained from voting). His time in prison burnished his reputation and helped his cause.[12]
Mugabe unilaterally assumed control of ZANU from Mozambique. Later that year, after squabbling with Ndabaningi Sithole, Mugabe formed a militant ZANU faction, leaving Sithole to lead the moderate Zanu (Ndonga) party, which renounced violent struggle.[citation needed] Many opposition leaders mysteriously died during this time, including one who died in a car crash but was allegedly riddled with bullet holes.[12] An opposing newspaper's printing press was bombed and its journalists tortured.[12]
Lancaster House Agreement
Persuasion from B.J. Vorster, himself under pressure from Henry Kissinger, forced Smith to accept in principle that white minority rule could not continue indefinitely. On 3 March 1978 Bishop Abel Muzorewa, Ndabaningi Sithole and other moderate leaders signed an agreement at Governor's Lodge in Salisbury, which paved the way for an interim power-sharing government, in preparation for elections. The elections were won by the United African National Council under Bishop Abel Muzorewa, but international recognition did not follow and sanctions were not lifted. The two 'Patriotic Front' groups under Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo refused to participate and continued the war.
The incoming government did accept an invitation to talks at Lancaster House in September 1979. A ceasefire was negotiated for the talks, which were attended by Smith, Mugabe, Nkomo, Edson Zvobgo and others. Eventually the parties to the talks agreed on a new constitution for a new Republic of Zimbabwe with elections in February 1980. Mugabe had to concede to accepting 20 seats reserved for whites in the new Parliament and to the inability of the new government to alter the constitution for ten years. His return to Zimbabwe in December 1979 was greeted with enormous supportive crowds.
Prime Minister and President
He shoved out a rival politican to become President of Zimbabwe in 1980.
Personal life
His first wife, the former Sally Hayfron, died in 1992 from a chronic kidney ailment[20]. Their only son, Nhamodzenyika, born 27 September 1963, died on December 26, 1966 from cerebral malaria, while Mugabe was in prison. Sally Mugabe was a trained teacher who asserted her position as an independent political activist and campaigner[21] who was seen as Mugabe's closest friend and adviser, and some critics suggest that Mugabe began to misrule Zimbabwe after her death.[12]
Mugabe married his former secretary, Grace Marufu, 40 years his junior and with whom he already had two children,[22] on August 17, 1996. Mugabe and Marufu were married in a Roman Catholic wedding Mass at Kutama College, a Catholic mission school he previously attended. Nelson Mandela was among the guests. A spokesman for Catholic Archbishop Patrick Chakaipa, who presided over the ceremony, said the diocese saw "no impediment" to the nuptials.[citation needed] His wife, Grace, is known sarcastically as "Gucci Grace" or "The First Shopper" in reference to her numerous, lavish European shopping sprees[23][24].
The Mugabes have three children: Bona, Robert Peter Jr. (although Robert Mugabe's middle name is Gabriel) and Bellarmine Chatunga. As First Lady, Grace has been the subject of much criticism for her lifestyle. When she was included in the 2002 EU travel sanctions on her husband, one EU parliamentarian was quoted as saying that the ban "will stop Grace Mugabe going on her shopping trips in the face of catastrophic poverty blighting the people of Zimbabwe."[25] The Daily Telegraph called her "notorious at home for her profligacy" in a 2003 coverage of a trip to Paris.[26] The Mugabes' children are not included in the EU travel sanctions.[citation needed]
Awards and honours
In 1994 Mugabe was bestowed an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath by Queen Elizabeth II. This entitles him to use the postnominal letters KCB, but not to use the title "Sir." UK Foreign Affairs Select Committee called for the removal of this honour in 2003, but no action was taken.[27]
He also holds several honorary degrees and doctorates from various international universities, though in June 2007, he became the first international figure ever to be stripped of an honorary degree by a British university, when the University of Edinburgh withdrew the degree awarded to him in 1984.[28][29]
Further reading
- Chan, Stephen. Robert Mugabe: A life of power and violence, 2003. IB Taurus, London. ISBN 9781860648731.
- East, R. and Thomas, Richard J. Profiles of People in Power: The World ́s Government Leaders, 2003 ISBN 185743126X.
- Holland, Heidi. Dinner with Mugabe, 2008. Penguin, South Africa. ISBN 9780143025573.
- Meredith, Martin : Mugabe: Power and Plunder in Zimbabwe, 2003. Oxford [rev. updated ed.] ISBN 1586482130 (American ed.: Our votes, our guns
- Nolan, Cathal J. Notable U.S. Ambassadors Since 1775: A Biographical Dictionary, 1997 ISBN 0313291950
- The Times (SA) Online. 'The angry little boy who showed them all'. Published: 01 Mar 2008.
- Who's Who : African Nationalist Leaders in Rhodesia by Robert Cary and Diana Mitchell, 1977,1980,1994 Reprinted by Mardon Printers (PTY) Ltd, Harare.
- Mwakikagile, Godfrey. Nyerere and Africa: End of an Era, 2006, Chapter Eight: "The Rhodesian Crisis: Tanzania's Role." New Africa Press, South Africa. ISBN 9780980253412.
References
- ^ Chan, Stephen (2003). Robert Mugabe: A Life of Power and Violence. p. 123.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
KK1
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Biles, Peter (2007-08-25). "Mugabe's hold on Africans". BBC News.
- ^ "UK anger over Zimbabwe violence". BBC News. 2000-04-01.
- ^ McGreal, Peter (2007-04-02). "Corrupt, greedy and violent: Mugabe attacked by Catholic bishops after years of silence". The Guardian.
- ^ Bentley, Daniel (2007-09-17). "Sentamu urges Mugabe Action". The Independent.
- ^ "Mugabe: US must disarm". BBC News. 2007-02-25.
- ^ Egbuna, Obi (2003-07-31). "Zimbabwe: Who else but Mugabe?". The Black Commentator (51).
- ^ "Colonial history tugs at EU-Africa ties". People's Daily. 2007-12-05.
- ^ "Robert Mugabe's reign set to end in Zimbabwe, but World fears a bloodbath", The Mirror
- ^ Staff reporter (2007-05-21). "Mugabe mourns reclusive brother". newzimbabwe.com. Retrieved 2008-04-03.
- ^ a b c d e f g Staff (2007-03-29). "Robert Mugabe: The man behind the fist". The Economist.
- ^ Nyarota, Geoffrey (2006). Against the Grain. p. 100.
- ^ "President bio contents". Zimbabwean government website. Government of Zimbabwe. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
- ^ Christine Kenyon Jones, The People's University: 150 years of the University of London and its External students (University of London External System , 2008) pages 148-149 ISBN 0955768918
- ^ "I am still a disciple of Nkrumah - Mugabe". General News of Monday, 2 July 2007. Ghana Home Page. Retrieved 2007-07-03.
- ^ Lectured at Chalimbana Teacher Training College, Zambia (1955–1958)
- ^ Olson, James Stuart. Historical Dictionary of the British Empire. p. 764.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Glaude Jr., Eddie (2002). Is It Nation Time?: Contemporary Essays on Black Power and Black Nationalism. p. 105.
- ^ The New Yrok Times, "Obituaries: Sally Mugabe, Zimbabwe President's Wife, 60", January 28, 1992
- ^ FO's fight over Mugabe's wife | Politics | The Guardian
- ^ "Where We Have Hope: A Memoir of Zimbabwe By Andrew Meldrum"
- ^ Brook, Sally, The Sun, UK, March 4, 2004
- ^ [http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143958026&date=10/9/2006 Ng’ang’a, Nixon, The Standard, Kenya, September 10, 2006
- ^ Mugabe's wife on EU sanctions list, BBC, 22 July 2002
- ^ Truffle dinners for £190 at the Mugabes' glittering hideaway, Telegraph, 2 February 2003
- ^ Daily Mail The battle to ban Mugabe's men retrieved July 7 2007
- ^ The Times Mugabe stripped of degree by Edinburgh retrieved July 4 2007
- ^ The Observer Edinburgh University revokes Mugabe degree Paul Kelbie, July 15, 2007
External links
- "Mugging Mugabe" (a commentary in defence of Mugabe)
- "The truth about Mugabe" (an anti-Mugabe commentary)
- "Zimbabwe election – a defeat for imperialism"
- "Zimbabwe's silent selective starvation"
- "Robert Mugabe's War to Crush Press Freedom in Zimbabwe"
- Reporters Without Borders profile on Mugabe
- Freedom House report on Zimbabwe
- IFEX - Media Coverage Favours Mugabe
- "Robert Mugabe at UMass" from the WGBH series, Ten O'clock News
- Indict Zimbabwe's demagogue before the International Criminal Court
- "Zimbabwe and the Politics of Torture"
- Human Rights Watch on Zimbabwe
- “Comrade Mugabe is our leader”,War Vets million man march for Mugabe,"Zimbabwe Metro"