Africa Up Close

From Independence to a Turn for the Worst

The end of white minority rule in Rhodesia in 1979 gave rise to hope for a nation that had undergone over 70 years of colonial rule, and, after the Unilateral Declaration of Independence by white separatists in 1965, an apartheid–type regime that had sparked a war of liberation by African nationalists. Robert Mugabe, who had earned respect as one of the major leaders in the fight for independence, was elected as the first President in the democratic and renamed Zimbabwe.  In the first decade of his rule, Mugabe was commended for his conciliatory and practical approach to relations with white Zimbabweans. They were allowed to take part fully in the political process, continue to contribute to the economy through agriculture, business and manufacturing. More than three decades later, President Mugabe continues to rule, but now he does so under an amended constitution that has created an excessively powerful executive branch.

Kenya’s presidential election, held on the March 4, 2013, was one of the most closely watched events in the nation’s history. Political analysts all over the world made predictions as to whether or not the election was likely to lead to violence similar to that which occurred in 2007/8, and breathed a collective sigh of relief when the optimists were vindicated. Understanding the factors that led to this outcome is crucial to create meaningful lessons for governance in the future. Our last article on the Kenyan presidential race pointed out that elections alone are necessary, but not sufficient for democracy. In order to move forward, Kenya and other developing democracies should endeavor to learn from both successes and mistakes.

Earlier this month, the Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Johnnie Carson, made the remark that “choices have consequences,” with regard to the March 4th elections in Kenya. He was interpreted by many to be referring to the two candidates who have been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) – Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto – and the detrimental effect their being elected could have on Kenya’s diplomatic relations worldwide and their ability, if elected, to rule effectively while under a cloud of indictment. Similar remarks by European Union envoys have led to accusations from Kenyan officials that they were inflaming an already volatile political situation and illegitimately interfering with a sovereign nation’s domestic affairs.