TWILIGHT OF TYRANTS: A TALE OF UNENDING COUPS AND THE SHADOW OF DESPOTISM
In less than three years, Mali has witnessed the unsettling repetition of military coups, a phenomenon far from alien to the political landscapes of countries like Zimbabwe, where the shadows of figures like Mnangagwa and his predecessor Mugabe loom large. Though geographically and culturally distinct, the political parallels between Mali and Zimbabwe are striking, rooted deeply in the mechanics of power and the preference for tyrannical governance. This narrative is not merely about the leaders themselves but about the systemic perpetuation of authoritarianism, with Zanu PF, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, at its core.
Zanu PF’s history is steeped in tyranny, marked by the ruthless consolidation of power by its leaders. The second secretary’s ascension over the first, amid allegations of involvement in the elimination of rivals, underscores the party’s descent into personal dictatorship. This internal power dynamic, fueled by factionalism and the cult of personality, has set the stage for Zimbabwe’s political turmoil, mirroring Mali’s instability.
The forced resignation of Mugabe, engineered by his own militarized machinery, was a clear indication of the limits of personal power. His attempt to establish a dynastic rule through his wife, a move akin to a civilian coup, ended in his disgraceful departure. This act laid bare the inherent dangers of a one-party state, where succession is dictated not by democratic processes but by nepotism and sycophancy, a reality all too familiar in Zimbabwean politics.
The avoidance of accountability and the subversion of democratic principles are at the heart of Zanu PF’s governance model. The party’s endorsement of Mugabe’s candidacy in the controversial 2018 elections is a testament to its disdain for genuine democracy. Such practices not only undermine the state’s legitimacy but also fuel the conditions for military intervention, as seen in the anticipation of a coup against Mnangagwa. The parallels with Mali’s political crises are evident, highlighting a universal challenge to democratic governance.
The impatience of Zimbabwe’s securocrats, veterans of the liberation struggle now eyeing the presidency, mirrors the ambitions that have fueled coups elsewhere, including Mali. Their desire for power, coupled with fears of losing ill-gotten wealth and facing accountability for human rights abuses, forms a volatile mix that threatens the very foundations of the state. Mnangagwa’s efforts to cling to power, such as the unconstitutional extension of office tenures, signal a regime unwilling to relinquish control, setting the stage for potential upheaval.
The prospect of a public uprising in Zimbabwe, driven by outrage over corruption and mismanagement, cannot be ignored. The looting scandals, exemplified by the Draxgate affair, have exposed the depth of the rot within Zanu PF, echoing the grievances that have fueled uprisings across the Arab world and led to regime changes in countries like Sudan. The military’s vested interest in maintaining the status quo, to avoid accountability for past atrocities and ensure the continuity of their plunder, suggests a grim future for Mnangagwa’s rule.
As Zimbabwe teeters on the brink, the parallels with Mali’s repeated coups serve as a cautionary tale. The inevitability of change, whether through popular uprising or military intervention, looms large. The critical lesson here is the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and the enduring demand for accountability, transparency, and genuine democratic governance. As Zimbabwe and Mali navigate their tumultuous political landscapes, the world watches, reminded of the cyclical nature of tyranny and the perennial struggle for freedom.
