What was the USA's role in helping Robert Mugabe gain power in Zimbabwe in1980, why did they bless this change

Answer 1

The US gave him their blessing because Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia) had been governed by white minority rule and the U.S. growing fear of communisim gaining a foothold in Africa.
The United States supported the United Nations and the United Kingdom consistently in their efforts to influence Rhodesian authorities to accept the principles of majority rule. Beginning in 1976, the United States began to take a more active role in the search for a settlement in cooperation with the British. The Anglo-American proposals of late 1977, aimed at bringing a negotiated end to the dispute, lent the weight of the United States to the search for a peaceful settlement and were a counterpart to the Soviet-Cuban use of military power to increase their influence in southern Africa. The United States supported British efforts to bring about and implement the settlement signed at Lancaster House on December 21, 1979 and extended official diplomatic recognition to the new government immediately after independence. A resident Embassy was established in Harare on Zimbabwe's Independence Day, April 18, 1980. The first U.S. Ambassador arrived and presented his credentials in June 1980.

The U.S. is now considering sanctions against Zimbabwe because of the oppressive dictatorship that is in place.
Robert Mugabe has been president since the country's independence in 1980. During the first decade of independence Robert Mugabe used the North Korean trained Fifth Brigade to silence any opposition.
Opposition leaders to his rule have either been exiled, imprisoned or killed.
Allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing have resulted in calls for Mugabe's arrest and prosecution for crimes against humanity

Answer 2

In the late 1970's America was obsessed with communism. Henry Kissinger under Carter visited Ian Smith the prime Minister of Rhodesia and told him that due to the success of the Rhodesian Army against "Communist Terrorists" the USA felt that Russia and China would increase its presence in Africa.

America could not allow that to happen. This was a percieved threat to the security of the USA interests in that region.......the USA would cripple Rhodesia and they (USA) with agreement of the frontline black states would hand and did hand Rhodesia over to majority rule...( One man one vote one time as has been the case ). If the frontline black states left South Africa and American interests alone.

So America again interfere's in the lives of millions of people. Just ask all the Rhodesians living all over the world. And has resulted in untold sufferring for all Zimbabweans having Robert Mugabe in power. Imagine if Zimbabwe had oil reserves.....George Bush would be the first in ...looking for MWD's.........and spreading American democracy....

Once again the world thanks America...and the yanks wonder why the world hates them....... so much for truth justice democracy and all that b...s.

Contributor above mentioned "Apartheid" Sorry lady your sources are wrong... Rhodesia never had any Apartheid policys. It also had a tribal voting system where the chief of that tribe had representation in Government. It was an attempt to stop the ethnic cleansing and genocide that has gone on through out Africa and the world and what we see now in Iraq. Africans and whites mingled freely in Rhodesia. And still do today. There were never whites only buses or shops etc.

Answer 3

Yes, I was almost a teacher in Bulawayo. About that time it was the desire of the world to eliminate white rule in Africa. His guerrillas and others were fighting a brutal war killing stray white farmers. South Africa gave some old military equipment to help, but it was the economic boycott which hurt the worst. Rhodesia used to export food! Anyway as long as white government was removed, they didn't care who took power.

Answer 4

Abolish white rule in Rhodesia was a necessity in' 80s.
Who knew, world is placing a monster at the helm.
Politics has always a dark under belly. It is a mystery,
why the monster is not cut to size, by the world power
Dafur is another of world's neglect towerds the misery
of millions.

Answer 5

Oh gawd is he our fault too ?