Robert Mugabe has been in power since April 18, 1980. On this day, Zimbabwe, a country formerly known as Rhodesia, received its independence from Great Britain. Mugabe was declared President on December 31, 1987, and has been ever since.
Raised a Catholic, Mugabe grew to sympathize with Communist ideals. When he came to power, however, he did not seem to be the leader the white Rhodesian farmers dreaded. Zimbabwe, it seemed, was on the threshold of an era of great promise, born out of civil war but now bursting with new ambition. Mugabe himself was widely acclaimed a hero: the revolutionary leader who had embraced the cause of reconciliation and who now sought a programmatic way forward. Western governments lined up with offers of aid. He called for stability, national unity, and law and order…and pledged that private property would be protected. He said himself, “There is no intention on our part to use majority to victimize the minority. We will ensure there is a place for everyone in this country….Let us deepen our sense of belonging and engender a common interest that knows no race, colour, or creed.”
Very quickly the sentiments of the new President changed, or perhaps were voiced for the first time. It was as if Mugabe and his inner circle had come to regard Zimbabwe as the spoils of war, for their own use. And while nepotism flourished in his cabinet, Mugabe’s only concern seemed to be for power—as opposition to his rule mounted, Mugabe struck back with ever-increasing ruthlessness, determined to stay in power whatever the cost.
Mugabe and his henchmen threatened the lives of any person who opposed his regime—or even any person thought to. If you did not hold a Zanu-PF card, signifying membership to the party, you were at the least not allowed to vote in elections. At worst, you were beaten, tortured, and even killed. White Zimbabweans also found themselves in great danger. Mugabe considered them still loyal to Great Britain and symbols of the colonial rule Mugabe hated.
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