2018 could be our year

Obituaries
Zimbabweans endured one of the most tumultuous years since independence from Britain 37 years ago with worsening economic hardships and political instability, but 2017 is ending on a promising note.

Zimbabweans endured one of the most tumultuous years since independence from Britain 37 years ago with worsening economic hardships and political instability, but 2017 is ending on a promising note.

Robert Mugabe, a towering figure in local and international politics since pre-independence times, fell by the sword in November just as he had lived as president of this country for close to four decades.

The military that had stood by him even during times when he was rejected by the majority of Zimbabweans during elections, turned against the 93-year-old ruler and forced him to throw in the towel.

Mugabe’s abrupt resignation under pressure from the military put an end to his ambitious wife’s plans to take over the leadership of Zanu PF. Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had been forced into brief exile in South Africa after he was fired by his mentor, returned to take over power.

In a matter of days, Zimbabwe’s economic and political trajectory had changed. In place of despair, there was hope. Zimbabweans who were scattered all over the world because of Mugabe’s ruinous rule were able to dream about a prosperous country once again.

However, events of the last few weeks have shown that the transition from the Mugabe era would not be an easy stroll in the park.

First of all, Mnangagwa was not able to set up an inclusive transitional government that many hoped would lead Zimbabwe into a free and fair elections next year.

The new leader was under immense pressure to accommodate military commanders who were instrumental in his ascendancy after they toppled Mugabe.

Mnangagwa, who has vowed to stem corruption, immediately turned his words into action as a number of Mugabe’s allies were rounded up for alleged crimes.

The president, however, surprised many when he went on to appoint some ministers that served Mugabe and were accused of graft, into his new Cabinet.

Three generals led by former Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Constantino Chiwenga, who was last week sworn in as one of the vice president, took up senior strategic government positions.

Engelbert Rugeje, a high-ranking army official accused by the opposition of spearheading political violence in 2008, was retired so that he could take up a new position as the Zanu PF commissar.

War veterans’ leader Christopher Mutsvangwa also raised alarm at the special Zanu PF congress early this month by announcing that the military and the former freedom fighters will spearhead the ruling party’s election campaign next year.

There are many other worrying signals and actions taken by the new administration that could fuel uncertainty about the future, but there is still hope that 2018 might be the year Zimbabwe takes its rightful place on the global stage.

Free and fair elections are paramount in that envisaged turnaround, followed by the economy.

Zimbabweans are once more in control of their destiny and if we don’t squander the opportunity by not holding leaders accountable, 2018 could be our year.