At Large
Dictators’ Dilemma
Why the strongmen of the African Union should condemn Mugabe.
(Page 2 of 2)
Not to mention that changing social habits of cronyism and nepotism is not a feasible short-term goal. Removing one dictator will almost certainly lead to the instatement of another. In those cases where is does not, luck seems to be the primary factor.
If the dictator is at least getting the economics right, if the country is developing at a steady rate and moving towards sustainable industries, then standard of living will continue to grow despite corrupt leaders.
Mugabe isn’t really being called out because of the fraudulent elections. The West would be willing to turn a blind eye to his cronyism and even some acts of violence. What the West will not tolerate is his mismanagement of the Zimbabwean economy, to the detriment of not only his citizens but all the countries in the region.
Leaders in the AU should recognize this and hold Mugabe accountable for his actions. Their fingers are not “dirty” compared to his. They haven’t inflicted famine, grinding poverty, and 100,000 percent inflation on their peoples.
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