According to an article in the New York Times, Zimbabwe’s leader Robert Mugabe could be on his way out of office. Several advisors on Mugabe’s staff are in negotiations with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The election appears to be much closer than the Mugabe camp anticipated and now some Mugabe officials are calling for the leader to resign.

The following is an excerpt from the New York Times article:

“‘The chiefs of staff are talking to Morgan and are trying to put into place transitional structures,’ said John Makumbe, a political analyst and insider in local politics who has spoken in the past in favor of the opposition.

“‘The chiefs of staff are not split; they are loyally at Mugabe’s side,’ said Mr. Makumbe. ‘But they are not negotiating for Mr. Mugabe. They are negotiating for themselves. They are negotiating about reprisals and recriminations and blah blah blah. They are doing it for their own security.’”

I sincerely hope that Tsvangirai will knock Mugabe out of power in a peaceful, democratic manner, and that he doesn’t fall victim to the power of his new position. It would be great news for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world. Zimbabwe was once an attractive emerging nation for investors and I want to see it regain that status.

A word of warning to investors eager for the potential of a Mugabe-free Zimbabwe: Even if Tsvangirai does take power, there will be a risk that things will not improve any time soon. It is best to wait for the new leadership to show some stability, in how they plan to run things before investing.

Labels: international, Zimbabwe