The Learner

The death of Robert Mugabe marks the end of an era in African history. He’s, perhaps, the last of his kind on this wealthy but poorly governed continent. Most of his contemporaries were long gone, and some, even forgotten. However, Mugabe will be remembered forever. His name and that of his country, Zimbabwe, are somewhat synonymous.    Robert Mugabe (1924-2019) I am convinced that the deceased meant well for his country and Africa at large. Doubtless, he overstayed his welcome, and, of course, he was brutal in his handling of opposition and the white farmers. All could be forgiven, though. Many African leaders of his generation were no less harsh and autocratic. He, nonetheless, stood out for his dogged fight against the West and its imperialist ideologies and policies. He also lasted in power way longer than the others. Mugabe, Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), among other post-independ...