David Miller Online
Why the Commonwealth is better off without Mugabe
Although the departure of Zimbabwe has caused a rift within the Commonwealth and cast a long shadow over the leader’s
forum, the organisation should not mourn. Instead, it should accept the reality that it has followed the correct path in
this case despite exposing a fault-line that runs throughout the organisation’s membership body. Unfortunately, the
issue of Zimbabwe has split the Commonwealth along racial lines and it is distressing that this has occurred, as there
is no need. This is not a case of black nations against white, nor those with a colonial past lining up against those
who conquered. Instead, it is about a regime that has no respect for the political or human rights of its own citizens
and one that is corrupt and it will go to any lengths to hold power.
The Commonwealth is an organisation that is struggling to find a role for itself within the international political
system. It is often looked upon as a hangover from Britain’s colonial past. Placed among organisations such as the
European Union, NATO and the United Nations, it is often unclear as what role the Commonwealth performs or whether there
remains a need for it in the 21st Century. Yet the Commonwealth is important for two reasons. The one organisation
transcends Continental borders and allows a significant number of African and Asian nations to interact with states such
as Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It may be an outgrowth of colonialism but it remains an important
instrument in trade and economic development for all of the countries involved. It promotes democracy and is not bound
by regionalism. This sounds very idealistic but the Commonwealth is built upon the principles of democratic government
and the rule of law and not under any circumstances can it move away from those values.
Mugabe’s actions are a direct threat to this. He uses the cries of colonialism and racism strictly to his advantage and
while there is a need for land redistribution and more equality for all citizens in Zimbabwe, his tactics of enforced
banishment and practices of handing the land to his cronies and supporters make a mockery of what he claims he is trying
to achieve. The Zimbabweans are suffering due to Mugabe’s actions. Rampant inflation, declining foreign investment and
food shortages have led to a severe drop in the living standards of the people there and have led to a thriving black
market.
Unfortunately, the Commonwealth is not powerful enough to force change within Zimbabwe or Mugabe from power. Its moral
authority will not be a strong enough deterrent. Mugabe may be 79 but he still has a firm grip on the country’s levers
of powers and while the police and military remain under his control and states such as Nigeria and South Africa
continue to offer support there is little incentive for him to step aside and enter into negotiations with opposition
parties. It is likely that Mugabe will seek to hand power over to a trusted deputy who will allow him and his family to
live in comfort after he retires and maintain the strict control of the Zanu-PF Party but that he will also hang on
until at least 2007 when the next elections are scheduled. Therefore, this is a problem and an issue that will not be
overcome for some time and it is one that will continue to haunt the Commonwealth.
Many are simply prepared to lay the blame for this crisis at Britain’s door and look towards the Colonial past as the
root of all evils. Colonialism cannot be absolved from all blame but there comes a time when a country must stand on its
own feet and accept responsibility for its course and the actions of its leadership. Mugabe and those who support him
are responsible for Zimbabwe’s plight and there will be no resolution unless they are prepared to accept change.
Therefore, why should the Commonwealth be sired with this problem and why should other nations be made to look as though
they are racist and that they to blame? This is why I argue that the Commonwealth should not mourn the departure of
Robert Mugabe.
ENDS