Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe with army chiefs. Photo credit: The Will Nigeria
Ouster of President Robert Mugabe
After serving as the President of Zimbabwe for close to 40 years, Robert Mugabe was finally forced to step down in November. Many experts say Mugabe’s ouster heralds a new point in Africa’s maturing democracy and serves as a warning to other African autocrats that their days are numbered. His resignation sparked celebrations across Zimbabwe as people ushered in the dawn of a new era.
Mugabe’s downfall appears to have been triggered by the surprise sacking of his longtime comrade and Deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa. It’s alleged that Mnangagwa was fired in order to pave the way for Mugabe’s wife Grace to succeed him. This move forced the Zimbabwean army to carry out a bloodless coup against the 93-year-old President, who they said had been held hostage by people whose main objective was to loot public coffers.
