Few tears may be shed for Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who was effectively deposed by the military last week. While the armed forces insisted that they have not launched a coup, a threat of impeachment by the parliament has apparently forced his hand and a media outlet reported that the president has agreed to the terms of his resignation. However the situation develops, one thing seems certain: It is an ignominious end to the career of one of Africa's greatest leaders — and one that is long overdue.
A Marxist revolutionary who helped found the Zimbabwe African National Unity in 1963, Mugabe was arrested and imprisoned for 10 years by the authorities in Rhodesia, the name of the country when it won independence from Britain and was run by former colonialists. Upon his release, Mugabe directed the guerrilla struggle against white rule from exile in Mozambique. The campaign produced a political agreement that would extend the vote to all citizens — effectively ending white rule — and change the country's name to Zimbabwe. That fight and its success provided the foundation for Mugabe's legacy and image as one of the lions of the black liberation movement and a historical figure in the fight against colonialism and imperialism.
In 1980, Mugabe was awarded for his efforts — and for preaching reconciliation — by being elected the first prime minister of the new country. After taking office, he shed the more extreme elements of his Marxist rhetoric and governed pragmatically. But as is so often the case, power proved seductive and Mugabe first amended the constitution to allow himself to stay in power, then pursued more aggressive and destructive methods to perpetuate his rule.