31 January 2003
Harvard Scholar Says "Regime Change Must Occur" in Zimbabwe
(R. Rotberg discusses R. Mugabe's leadership at USIP) (670) By Jessica Allen Washington File Staff Writer Washington -- Robert Rotberg, Harvard University scholar and President of the World Peace Foundation, has termed Zimbabwe a "man-made disaster" and called for "regime change" as the most likely way to pull the nation back from the brink of catastrophe. In his January 29 remarks at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), Rotberg said the southern African nation had deteriorated ever since President Robert Mugabe came to power 20 years ago. The scholar, who recently returned from a trip to southern Africa, reminded his audience that Zimbabwe once had "the greatest economy in Africa with the most advanced human resource capability on the continent." He also credited it with previously being the "food basket of Africa." But Zimbabwe's "glorious legacy ended," Rotberg said, after several years of Mugabe's assault on the economic, legal and political institutions that had underpinned his nation's prosperity, which compared well to the poverty of much of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. He also mentioned that "the school and hospital systems have collapsed, and that "of the 11 million [HIV/AIDs] orphans in Africa, 2 million of them are in Zimbabwe." The scholar, who also serves as director of the Conflict Resolution Program at Harvard University, laid blame squarely on Mugabe, whom he said was "Zimbabwe's largest problem." The question, Rotberg said, is "How much longer can Zimbabwe continue to deteriorate under the rule of a wild-eyed despot." He provided the answer himself, saying, "Regime change is necessary." On an optimistic note, the scholar said, "There is still hope for Zimbabwe. There is rule of law and there are still judges who persist in evaluating things according to the common law. Despite the fact that the rule of the jungle is operating, there are still honest people doing work in the legal field." In addition, "Zimbabwe's physical infrastructure remains strong, which can be a great benefit to the nation." But despite his optimism, Rotbert saw little hope for change in Zimbabwe while Mugabe remained in power. And he pointed out to his audience, which included Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Walter Kansteiner, that Mugabe has an extremely low approval rating among his people. "No one in Zimbabwe buys the leader's rhetoric." [Research conducted by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa affirms the expert's claims. Despite winning a presidential election last year, that many observers roundly condemned as not free or fair, recent polls have shown that less than half of Zimbabweans support Mugabe.] Rotberg then provided possible scenarios for Mugabe's removal from power and Zimbabwe's return to "her former glory. "The easiest way for Mugabe to be removed is by death or exile," said Rotberg. "If this were to occur the international community would hold supervised elections, and if a fair, democratic government takes power, there is still enough time for the economy to recover." Another option posed by the World Peace Foundation President consists of the opposition asserting its own power, and forcing Mugbe out. As for a general insurrection or revolution by the people of Zimbabwe, this option is "unlikely," according to Rotberg, who stated, "The tired masses [of Zimbabwe] are too hungry, too fearful, jobless, and lack strong leadership" to mount such a potentially violent initiative. "Zimbabwe's problems are not only hurting Zimbabwe", they are also hurting its neighbors," declared the speaker. "Over 20,000 people per day flee across the borders of Zimbabwe into the safety of other nations." From his recent trip to the region, Rotberg said that one neighbor, South Africa, was sending a message, and the message was, "Zimbabwe is effectively starving its own people." Botswana has spoken publicly against "Mugabe's atrocious behavior," he added. In conclusion, Rotberg stressed, "the longer Mugabe remains in power the worse the nation becomes," and for a brighter future, "regime change must occur." (The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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