On opposite poles, Emmerson Mnangagwa's departure from his country was as understated as was the spectacularity of the swing from the depths of exile to the Presidency of Zimbabwe. It is just one classic element of what happens when a country not prepared for it gets an ism forced down its throats. Almost everything about the badly-planned change of leadership, soft-launched so swiftly by the army that they ran out of ideas of a Plan B, spanks of a change that was overdue but impossible through 'democratic norms'. Few are complaining. A change through the ballot-box was out of the question given the defiling of a process that is sweeping many countries like a plague. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai chose his words carefully in suggesting that any change would have to be 'constitutional'; not 'democratic' mind you.
It all began to go pear-shaped when Robert Mugabe was merely interned, not arrested and the army met him rather than apprehend him. If that was a surprise to western democracies, it didn't cause heart fluttering in the developing world, not even in neighbouring South Africa. Tsvangirai obviously was privy to information others weren't. Thirty-seven years of ruling had to mean enough favours done and a list of those safely tucked away somewhere, so as to force the unusual situation by which Mugabe and his wife would not only stay in their palatial home, with a $10 million dollar belly-softener but also full privileges such as paid staff and utilities. More importantly, immunity from any legal action for any misdeeds. Thereby, toppling one of the pillars of democracy, fair play and justice.
Mnangagwa has promised a 'new Zimbabwe' with all the trappings of competitive free market economy and protection of investments. As heir apparent to Mugabe till recently, he must have had insight in to the ways and means of such assurances while others scratch their heads. The Mugabe doctrine of not giving back land taken from the white minority has been tempered with an assurance of compensation. All in all, it is a presidential resignation that comes at a price financial and political.
In a democracy there should have been an impeachment or no confidence in parliament. Instead the ZANU PF expelled Mr. Mugabe and his wife Grace. Tears may have flowed from the nonagenarian leader who had steered the revolution for Zimbabwe's independence; whether they were of regret or relief may not be known.
Everything that could went wrong in a country that was once prosperous and wealthy. Democratic Institutions weren't allowed to grow, corruption and graft was allowed to breed under the umbrella of patriotism and popular rituals and democracy just wasn't allowed to grow. Mr. Tsvangirai having failed under fraudulent elections tried a brief stint of power-sharing. The honeymoon was short-lived as was his physical presence in the country. The army top-brass looked anything but assured in the official video footage released. That they probably ha a few names on the 'list' can't be ruled out. The public rallies and celebrations tell one story; that few actually bayed for blood is another and can hardly be a coincidence or a Zimbabwean nicety. Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely but Robert Mugabe will go down in history as having lived by the gun, ruled through dictatorial democracy and as having had the last laugh.
Elections are due next year. That is when we shall know whether this is just a changing of the guard or a really new Zimbabwe.
