This past Friday, Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe was appointed as the new chairman of the African Union. At age ninety, Mr. Mugabe gave his opening speech focusing on the protection of Africa's natural resources and the reiteration of a continent free of imperialism and colonialism. He said: "African resources should belong to Africa and to no one else, except those we invite as friends (...) Friends we shall have, yes but imperialists and colonists no more." It is not surprising that Mugabe focused on topics such as these given that he is one of the few African leaders who were part of the process of African independence that started in the 60's and 70's. In fact, he is the only president that Zimbabwe has seen since it gained its independence. However, there are contradicting opinions about this political figure. To some people Robert Mugabe is a freedom fighter and a national hero, to others, he is a corrupt dictator who profits from Zimbabwe.
It will be very interesting to see how Mugabe leads the African Union, especially at such an advanced age and with all the pressure from people who do not support him. Africa is a very divided country, which has many internal economic, social, cultural, and political problems. I think it will be an huge challenge for Robert Mugabe to assume the responsibility of the African Union's chairman.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/31/world/africa/zimbabwes-president-is-appointed-chairman-of-african-union.html?ref=africa&_r=0
-Ricardo Morales
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