To many Zimbabweans, the source of the power and fear that President Robert Mugabe wields over the nation is ju-ju.
A recent picture shows him in a line-up of southern African leaders. He is the anthracite-black figure in the centre, his head and body so much smaller than his colleagues’ that he looks like a doll. Or a tokoloshe, the malevolent goblin of African nightmares.
He is now in his 92nd year and has vowed that only death will end his rule. The faithful of his party, Zanu PF, insist he will serve out both of the terms of office he secured in 2013, which will take him to the age of 99. A slogan urges “Bob 99”.
Of course, he is just ordinarily old. He regularly falls asleep in public. There is a loose flap of skin under his chin. His hair is receding, though he is vain enough to dye it.
But he is firmly in control. He still provokes trembling among his closest disciples, who kneel before him or slap their thighs in feigned hilarity at his jokes. He still manipulates, always a jump ahead. Key to this power is his refusal to anoint a successor. It drives them to fawn harder.
He has seized with vigour his new role as chairman of the African Union, which allows him to travel as never before. It means the dire state of Zimbabwe’s economy gets even less attention than ever.
A friend of mine plays “spot-the-crop” with her driver when she travels through the countryside. Kilometre after kilometre of land that was once farmed has reverted to bush.
Source – Newzimbabwe.com
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