Zimbabwe: Turning Thirty

Almost exactly thirty years ago, on March 4 1980, Robert Gabriel Mugabe was elected Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. As Bob Marley performed before assembled international dignitaries, Mugabe took up office on April 18, the day of formal independence from Britain. Hopes were running high, and he was the man of the moment. But today Zimbabwe is virtually a failed state, mired in political and economic crisis. A year into a unity government which has pressed the pause button on bitter divisions, the country’s future is uncertain.