Who is Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe, the founding leader of Zimbabwe, has passed away at the age of 95. He was quite a controversial figure, with some seeing him as a liberator and others as a tyrant. Now, the big question is, what kind of legacy does he leave behind and how will Zimbabwe move forward from his shadow? Let's dive into this topic on Inside Story.

First of all, let's take a moment to remember Mugabe's life. Back in 1965, Rhodesia declared independence from Britain, which had a huge impact on Mugabe's journey. He fought against racist rule alongside the black majority, both in the cities and in the countryside where a brutal bush war was taking place. After serving time in prison, Mugabe emerged as a strong leader of the independence movement. Finally, in 1979, Zimbabwe gained independence and Mugabe became the president through elections.

However, his time in power wasn't without controversy. In the early 80s, there were ethnic massacres and the opposition was crushed. These atrocities went largely unnoticed by the international community. On the other hand, Mugabe also implemented positive changes such as racial reconciliation, education, and healthcare for millions of Zimbabweans. Unfortunately, the economy declined over time and the land invasions of white farms in 2000 marked a turning point. This chaotic process gained global attention, with Mugabe justifying it as a way to correct past injustices and challenge the influence of the old colonial power, Britain.

Despite facing opposition, Mugabe held onto power through tactics like torture, murder, and manipulation. This led to a divided opinion on his leadership, with some African leaders praising him as a symbol of liberation, while others criticized his thirst for power and the negative impact it had on Zimbabwe.

Now that Mugabe is no longer with us, it's time for Zimbabwe to chart a new path forward. The country has been through a lot, and it's crucial for its leaders and citizens to come together and find a way to rebuild and move past the shadows of the past. It won't be an easy journey, but with determination and unity, Zimbabwe can emerge stronger and create a brighter future for its people.

On the 21st of December 1979, something incredible happened. The Lancaster House agreement was signed, officially bringing an end to the Rhodesian bush war, also known as the Zimbabwe war liberation. Among the signatories at the table was a remarkable man who embodied the struggle against the Rhodesian government. This man had been arrested and imprisoned for his political dissidence, risking his life in the pursuit of liberation for his people. Little did anyone know that he would soon become the most powerful man in the country. His name was Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Mugabe will always be remembered as a freedom fighter, someone who fought against the racist regime and liberated his people from colonial oppression. However, there are others who view Mugabe differently. They see him as a brutal dictator, responsible for running his country's economy into the ground through corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses.

Born in a small town in what was then known as the British colony of Southern Rhodesia, Mugabe was the fourth of six children. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a sharp mind, which earned him a scholarship to study at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. It was during his time here that Mugabe joined the ANC Youth League and was introduced to his guiding political philosophy of Marxist-Leninism.

After graduating, Mugabe began his career as a teacher in Northern Rhodesia before moving to Ghana, where he met his first wife, Sally. It was in Ghana that Mugabe became a firm believer in the revolutionary ideas of Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and his brand of African socialism. Putting his newfound faith into practice, Mugabe returned to his home country and joined the growing black nationalist movement led by the charismatic George Martin Como and his National Democratic Party.