Inside The Mind of Zimbabwe

Calling Robert Mugabe "the only pan-Africanist who hates Africans," Norway-based Zimbabwean writer Chenjerai Hove takes a look "inside the mind of a dictator" at the Mail & Guardian. This is one of the best short pieces on Zimbabwe's self-proclaimed "President for life" that you are likely to see. Read the whole thing. Read Christopher Dube's analysis of Mugabe as being "alone, unloved, and snubbed" as well.

Meanwhile Namibia "rolls out the red carpet for Mugabe." I hope this is for the purpose of persuading the old despot, who just turned 83, to step down into a cushioned exile, but it seems as if President Pohamba plans to welcome Mugabe as a legitimate partner. Perhaps behind the folderol, the respect for Mugabe's liberation hero past, will be serious quiet diplomacy. This is Pohamba's first serious test as a regional leader. The easy road to take will be the one of accomodation. The tougher road, but the one that promises the greatest historical reward, will be to help facilitate the end of Mugabe's reign. Let us hope that the red carpet represents protocol, a plush walkway to Mugabe's retirement.