Eye on the Continent: Viva to the new African Union Chairman!

Robert Gabriel Mugabe last week became the new Chairman of the African Union. His appointment approved by the General assembly of heads of state and government of the body. Mr. Mugabe came into power in 1980 as one of the liberation struggle leaders of Zimbabwe. Since then he has led Zimbabwe to many successes, as well as failures. Mr. Mugabe is now to face the challenge of being Chairman, while he can’t travel to many European countries and the United States, who could be crucial in aiding the integration uin Africa. This appointment comes after a year as deputy Chairman in substitution of the outgoing Mozambican president Armando Guebuza who could not accept the position since he only had less than 6 months in office. While still deputy Chairman, Mr. Mugabe refused to attend the European Union – African Union summit because the visa given to him covered only him and denied his wife who was, and still is under sanctions. Mr. Mugabe is under sanctions because he refused to step down when he allegedly lost to his contestant Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai during the 2008 elections. Then under the mediation of Southern Africa Development community he was able to reach an agreement with his opponent to share power. The agreement was called The Power-sharing deal. Whilst he is an inspiration for some and headache for others it is a sure fact that Mr. Mugabe is going to lead the destiny of the African Union for the following 12 months.

Zimbabwe has been under a severe economic crisis, which Mr. Mugabe blames the West for. Under his autocratic leadership last year the Zimbabwean Cabinet was reshuffled because of his divergences with the Vice President Joyce Mujuru. She was allegedly plotting with some other prominent figures of Zimbabwean politics to depose him. Often times, during his speeches he affirms that no one will take away Zimbabwean independence and freedom as well as the right to the Africans to determine there destines. So a good question would be what message the African Union is sending by electing such a controversial figure to lead the organization, or perhaps is it a message of support to Mr. Mugabe’s “struggle against the west”? Or is it an under cover way of saying we are masters of our own continent and the choices made here should be respected?

No matter what the choice means, Europe, and the US will have to deal with Mr. Mugabe as the head of the African Union for the next twelve months.