Commentary
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s controversial president was recently elected Chairman of the African Union, the continent’s largest and most powerful organization.
That came as a surprise to his numerous political opponents and critics in and outside Zimbabwe. Indeed most Western leaders do not like the man. They have imposed economic sanctions and travel bans on him and members of his government.
Even his wife,Grace Mugabe, was banned from visiting some Western countries. So this is a shocker, whatever way you look at it.
By this glorification of Mugabe it seems to me African leaders are sending a clear message to the rest of the world that Africa will no longer be the puppet or plaything of any organization or government outside the continent.
Indeed sources say one of the things that will soon happen is that Africa will withdraw its support for the International Criminal Court based at the Hague, the Netherlands or Holland as it is commonly known. Africa, the sources added, will also ask for the handing over of all Africans currently detained by the ICC to be tried in Africa. This is a huge stance, monumental, in world politics.
But again one could say African leaders are trying to rehabilitate Mugabe and put pressure on him to be more lenient and tolerant towards some of his fellow Zimbabweans both white and black (who see him as a tyrant and dictator) with this appointment since sanctions, travel bans and virulent criticisms have had no effect on him for decades. They may be saying to themselves, well, let’s bring him into the global community which includes Western governments, and see what happens.
Mugabe read his acceptance speech Friday January 30 to a packed conference room in Addis Ababa that was punctuated by thunderous applause through out.
But if you are expecting a fiery speech condemning the West you will be disappointed. This is a calm and suave Mugabe, determined not to rock the boat too early as head of the continental body.His only strong statement was his endorsement of the AU’s full support for the liberation of Palestine and Western Sahara.
Instead Mugabe concentrated mostly on economic and security matters, Ebola and climate change in this speech. He also offered offered full support for the empowerment of women in Africa as already endorsed by the AU itself.
Here is Mugabe reading his acceptance speech:
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