Coup in Zimbabwe

The people of Zimbabwe have been taking a big stand against their administrations neglect. Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe for the past thirty seven years has been voted out of office after taking the once prosperous country down into financial crisis. Mugabe had been considered by many to be operating without the best interest of his people. So, the people of Zimbabwe collected to get rid of their ruler.

Mugabe has had a place in Zimbabwe’s democracy since the beginning. The country has only had two presidents since its democratic awakening. Canaan Banana was the alleged first, however he carried less of the power and more of the title. Mugabe was the prime minister at the same time and operated more as the president than Canaan. Soon enough Mugabe succeeded Banana and became the legitimate president.

Mugabe’s disinterest towards the people of Zimbabwe did not sit well. Under his own reformed constitution, Mugabe gave the presidential position a lot more power, and the ability to obtain land owned by white farmers. By acquiring this land, Zimbabwe was placed into financial crisis and left with a lot of angry people who had it out for Mugabe. In the interest of the people, a military coup was held leaving Mugabe with one safe option: step down from office.

Advanced Placement World History teacher Mr. Figuerido had a few words on the matter. Mr. Figuerido expressed that Zimbabwe’s actions were somewhat expected, because of what he described as a pattern occurring in Africa. The pattern described African countries breaking away from European control, becoming independent, and their leaders becoming unable to firmly rule. This puts the country in a bad position and leads the military to take matters into their own hands for the good of the people. In discussing Zimbabwe’s future, Mr. Figueiredo said that Zimbabwe must focus on “keeping everything moving,” as often times African countries will do what Zimbabwe is doing, get into the position they are in, and go “now what.”