The Good and Ugly of African democracies in 2017

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.

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Fredrick Ngugi

Fredrick is a Kenyan journalist with years of experience in freelance writing. He worked as a web content writer for various local and international corporations including 4 Wheel Online, Web Partner Group, Wedding Services Kenya, and Decadent Daylilies. He is also an avid blogger, political commentator and human rights crusader.

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