Conflict in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has struggled for much of its nearly three decades of independence. Under one ruler since 1980, Zimbabwe now faces vast economic and class gaps and an inflation rate that tops 100,000 percent. Only recently has President Robert Mugabe allowed opposition parties to take part in elections, implementing a power-sharing agreement in the dawning days of 2009, though he has shown little sign of loosening his grip on the troubled, poverty-stricken country.
Expand All Guide SectionsOrigins of the Conflict in Zimbabwe
As the absolute head of state for all of Zimbabwe’s independence, much of the blame and credit for the country’s current state is placed on the former independence leader Robert Mugabe.
Top Sites for the Origins of the Conflict in Zimbabwe
The New York Times’ Robert Mugabe page
provides a comprehensive biography of Mugabe, presenting the paper’s expansive coverage of the president, as well as up-to-date headlines about the 84-year-old’s often violent actions, as he stands as the continent’s last “ big man.”
The History Channel U.K.
has a Zimbabwe Political History section that traces Zimbabwe’s history from its earliest known inhabitants through decades of colonial rule, its fight for independence and into the Mugabe era.
“Ironing the Lawn in Salisbury, Rhodesia”
is The Guardian’s Simon Hoggart’s glimpse of a new nation as Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980, exploring the racial and class tensions between the different factions that made up the country’s population in a turbulent time of change.
The Zimbabwe Conflict Today
Facing advanced age and strong opposition from both inside and out of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe has shown some signs of loosening his grip on power in the south African nation, though recent events have shown him willing to use violence and oppression against his critics.
Top Sites for the Zimbabwe Conflict Today
The Zimbabwe Independent
is a U.K.-based weekly newspaper that acts as one of the few independent publications that is released inside of Zimbabwe as most media outlets have either been co-opted by the government or shut down for criticizing the Mugabe government.
Zimbabwe Studio 7
is the Voice of America’s radio program covering the latest news out of the country, including recent gains made by opposition forces and an agreement that has allowed Morgan Tsvangirai to become the prime minister-designee. However, Mugabe still retains the roles of head of state, the cabinet and the military.
BBC’s Zimbabwe Country Profile
acts as clearing house for background information and coverage of Zimbabwe under the rule of Robert Mugabe, including the challenges facing the elderly president and the opposition figures, including labor leader Morgan Tsvangirai, that threaten to bring his three decade reign to an end.
Impact of the Conflict in Zimbabwe
After 28 years under Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe now faces a host of threats to its stability and overall well-being, including human and political rights and health issues, from a cholera epidemic to widespread hunger.
Top Sites for the Impact of the Conflict in Zimbabwe
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
has compiled a full explanation of the long list of obstacles currently facing Zimbabwe, including corruption, skyrocketing inflation, unchecked cholera and widespread hunger.
The Association of Zimbabwe Journalists
details the challenges faced by proponents of a free press in Zimbabwe, including advocacy reports and articles about the life of journalists under Mugabe. The U.K.-based site was created to allow exiled Zimbabwean journalists a place to publish their stories.
The CATO Institute
offers a collection of studies and articles by Economist Steve Hanke, analyzing the history of the Zimbabwean economy and its decent into a deep hyperinflation over the years. The site includes podcasts, articles and video presentations exploring the volatile state of the Zimbabwe economy.
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