As China spreads its tentacles in Africa, it may not be averse to toppling uncooperative regimes
After clinging to his post against the wishes of his people , Robert Mugabe finally quit on November 21 as president of Zimbabwe. His removal from party posts, the beginning of impeachment proceedings and intense pressure from his peers seem to have influenced his decision to step down.
Mugabe, a freedom fighter who rose to prominence with his revolutionary credentials, gradually allowed himself to become hostage to the ambitions of his wife, family and sycophants. It completely devastated the political and economic system of Zimbabwe, which was once called the breadbasket of Africa. Mugabe’s exit is also an example of what happens to ageing leaders when they antagonise their longstanding allies.
Mugabe’s wife, Grace, played a major role in his downfall. She first connived with defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime comrade of Mugabe, and got him appointed first vice president, replacing another Mugabe loyalist, Joyce Mujuru. Later, she got Mugabe to dismiss Mnangagwa to clear her path to presidency. The move, however, backfired as the military threw its weight behind Mnangagwa. After a brief standoff, Mugabe relented and Mnangagwa, who is nicknamed crocodile for his shrewdness, returned as the new president.
この記事は THE WEEK の December 10, 2017 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は THE WEEK の December 10, 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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Ram temple not an issue in south
Much has been said this election season about the alleged north-south divide.
Haute and sweaty
In Mumbai, where I live and work, there is a severe heatwave going on. The highest temperature this month has been 40 degrees, sweltering and humid for the coastal city.
MOVE AWAY MARY!
In many parts of the world,unique names are becoming popular
CALL OF THE WILD
Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, shares his passion for wildlife conservation and photography
CEPA and beyond
Bilateral trade between the UAE and India has grown almost 16 per cent year-on-year, touching $84.5 billion
Brash and raw
When I chanced upon Raj Narain, who humbled Indira Gandhi
Lone voice of dissent
“I am keen to invite Parakala [Prabhakar] to Mumbai… What do you think? Do you know him?” A friend asked. No, I don’t know the man. And no, it is not a good idea to invite him, unless you want to invite trouble, I replied.
Modi and the Muslim syndrome
I have long been intrigued by the prime minister’s desire to hug every passing sheikh and sultan and his contrasting contempt for the ordinary Indian Muslim.
Assam Rifles not trained to guard borders; need separate force for Manipur border
Imphal is blanketed in darkness. The sun has set a little too soon in the valley, but N. Biren Singh is yet to call it a day.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENTINELS
Manipur government wants the Assam Rifles replaced, but the Union home ministry is focused on upgrading infrastructure and connectivity before deciding who guards the state