Alworth Institute

President Mugabe’s time is past. He operates in analog mode. Zimbabweans are now in the digital age. They envision a better and brighter future for themselves and their children. Mugabe is not part of that future. Things have fallen apart for him. His center cannot hold. He has wiped out all the good things he did for his country. His role in the independence movement and in the birth of Zimbabwe will always be acknowledged in the annals of history. But his persistency that he is a symbol of what is best for his country is laughable. I have been to Zimbabwe as a guest lecturer at the University. I saw the energies and talents of the people in this beautiful country. He ought to accept the verdict of the electorate and relinquish power to new crop of political leaders in Zimbabwe. The world is watching and waiting.

Zimbabweans will not be moved or shaken by any intimidations and machinations on his part to gun his way to hold on to political power. For as long as he has stayed in power, I will like to think that he is not a poor man. Does he need more money to do what? African leaders must learn that to be a political leader or figure is to have class, dignity, and a presence that is graceful. Our leaders must know when it is time to exit. They have to learn how to retire, to become statesmen and stateswomen, age gracefully and to show that we as Africans are capable of embracing change.

Perhaps, Mugabe has not kept abreast with the sea of change that is remaking the political and economic landscapes of Africa. A new generation of African men and women do not have any loyalties and are not beholden to the pioneers of political self-determination. The new generation of Africans are young, driven to become successful, highly educated, and are eager to move the Continent to its zenith in the global society. Mugabe’s kind are those who are out of touch of this new African fervor. The task of rebuilding Zimbabwe is daunting and monumental. Fortunately, she has the human and natural resources to meet this challenge.

If Mugabe attempts to destabilize his country so that he can hold on to power, the international community led by the African Union should act swiftly and decisively. Sustained pressure on him from the West must continue. Perhaps Nelson Mandela should counsel Mugabe. Perhaps President Kufour of Ghana and other African leaders ought to act now to let Mugabe know that he will not have their support if he decides to de-legitimize the results of the elections. The people of Zimbabwe have spoken loud and clear. A new era has dawned. I expect Mugabe to heed the results of the elections and exit gracefully. Mugabe may try to use his puppets and political surrogates to do his bidding. After all, he has used the country’s resources to prop up his sagging image. He may appeal to his cronies and political benefactors to stir trouble, to destabilize the country, to divide the people and fan tribal, ethnic, and class animosities. Mr. Mugabe, we are all watching you and have been watching you for a very long time. You no longer command that stature of dignity. Please leave quietly. Save Zimbabwe. Save yourself from further humiliation. And save Africa.