AU will never be the same

Muchadura Dube
THE recent ascendency of President Mugabe to the top post of chairman of the continental body, the African Union has led to the overflow of fresh air pervading the entire continent. Any political pundit worth his/her salt will confirm that indeed great positive transformation beckons Africa with the continent’s illustrious son at the helm of the African Union. With Africa’s economic blueprint dubbed Agenda 2063 having striking similarities with Zimbabwe’s Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation, President Mugabe’s ascendancy to the apex position could not have come at a better time.

The continental economic policy emphasises on the indigenes of the 54 countries that constitute the African Union to own and exploit the natural resources for their benefit. Zim-Asset too is an economic policy entrenched in the ability of local populace to judiciously exploit natural resources which their communities are endowed with.

Simply expressed, it is the economic phenomenon of resource nationalism pervading the continent. No one is better armed and qualified to lead this humane crusade than President Mugabe, a man who has empowered his people by repossessing the land which had been stolen by erstwhile colonisers using savage means.

The former colonisers maimed and raped the people, and they further plundered the enormous resources ranging from the coveted diamonds to the abundant gold which emblazon the entire Great Dyke and almost the entire country.

President Mugabe is an intellectual of repute, hence it augurs well that his country is at the apex in terms of the literacy rate in Africa. The importance of education can never be underestimated as reflected by the astronomical technological heights in the First World, these technological innovation have their originality and base in firm and robust education models. Given the lofty academic qualifications and pedigree which President Mugabe is endowed with, it is only desirable that he preaches the gospel of the importance of education for he is an expert in that trade. When one is educated, gullibility and vulnerability falls away like a deck of cards, paving the way for enlightenment.

With education, prudent decisions are made which safeguard the interests of the local people. Africans have to protect their God-given resources, for it is their livelihood at stake.

In that way, President Mugabe and other departed illustrious sons of the continent such as the great Mwalimu Julius Nyerere will at least have sufficient rest when the minds of the citizens are in congruency with their great philosophies.

It is one dimension to be liberated politically and it is another to be liberated economically, these founding fathers long for an Africa which is economically autonomous .This can only be achieved when Africa has asserted full authority over its abundant wealth. The populace’s economic freedom within our lifetime is indeed possible, it is within our reach.

Those who have the penchant for disorder are quacking in their shoes for they know that a freedom fighter for Africans and those who are marginalised has taken over the leadership of the African Union. Some will remember the military success which Zimbabwe and its allies achieved in the Operation Sovereign Legitimacy when they defended the Democratic Republic of Congo’s territorial integrity against shameless aggressors.

Zimbabwe and its allies pummeled them into submission and restored order to a nation which was under attack. President Mugabe is a liberator of repute after successful leading the prosecution of a liberation struggle against an unrepentant racist regime led by Ian Smith.

President Mugabe was to return from the bush in 1980 to lead an independent Zimbabwe which remains resolute to this day. Africa needs such a leader at this critical juncture of its political and economic evolution. It is refreshing that President also chairs the Southern African Development Community, an august body which is fulfilling the economic development of the region. The usual suspects of commotion in the eastern parts of the DRC were warned that either they join forces with that country’s armed forces or the SADC brigade will have no option but to ensure these renegade forces are brought to book.

The SADC region cannot continue to tolerate such a menace, a catastrophe which has claimed thousands of innocent lives and left thousand others maimed. It must be recalled that the population which is being callously decimated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere on the continent are vital ,more so in the economic matrix where numbers are important.

Africa needs the legendary President Mugabe in its quest for economic liberation, which is the only route to economic prosperity.
With President Mugabe’s wealth of experience in diplomacy, international relations and his affinity to the of the African people, the gorgeous continent of Africa will indeed be a new creature ready to roar in its bid to fulfill the aspirations of its people.

Congratulations Gungusho for having been unanimously endorsed as the continent’s new chairman.
Alutta continua.

Muchadura Dube is a Nyanga-based farmer and political analyst.