Robert Mugabe increasingly isolated at home and abroad

By Tererai Karimakwenda
28 February, 2007

In the twenty-seven years that Robert Mugabe has managed to stay at the helm of Zimbabwe’s political machinery, there have never been more signs that his continued tenure is in jeopardy than there have been in the last few months. A catalogue of disastrous events have damaged his image and caused him to lose the support of many who once held him in high esteem. Press reports about him and events on the ground show a man who is being ignored, embarrassed, criticised and ridiculed at every turn.

Other African heads of state still don’t like speaking ill of Mugabe publicly, but it is largely believed they are no longer willing to jeopardise the development of their own countries and the continent for his sake. His exclusion from the Franco-Africa summit earlier this month was one such sign. Add to this the EU renewal of targeted sanctions, the Chinese premier visiting all his neighbours but skipping Harare and recent anti-Mugabe demonstrations at Zimbabwe embassies in London, Washington, Johannesburg and Namibia.

At home, the situation is grim. Hyper inflation, strike action in key sectors, continued shortages of basic goods and a mass exodus from the police and military forces have all combined to weaken Mugabe’s position. And there is more. Vice president Joyce Mujuru is reported to have missed his birthday bash last weekend, an event which ruling party cadres are obligated to attend. Then the traditionally pro-government teachers union, ZIMTA, joined in the ongoing strike actions for the first time ever. And top members of his cabinet have been implicated in corrupt mining activities, which prompted an investigation by the parliamentary portfolio committee and the global watchdog Global Witness. It is fair to say Robert Mugabe’s plate is full.

Dr. Shana, chairman of the corruption watchdog Transparency International Zimbabwe Chapter, said there is only so much that Zimbabwe’s so-called friends can take. He added that Mugabe’s “heroism and bravado” were one thing, but they will not accept him as a liability to the progress of their own countries and development. Explaining further, Dr. Shana said: “In politics there are no permanent friends, just interests. And where friends and interests conflict, interest will always prevail.”