Mugabe’s victory: the aftermath

Mugabe’s inauguration was a closed affair. Judges in colonial era wigs and robes sat patiently whilst he spoke, whilst advisors and military personnel, bedecked in medals, marched and saluted him.

The rest of Harare was indoors. Shops and businesses shut, even the ubiquitous money changers – now offering Z$50 billion to the pound – seemed to have closed ranks. Harare’s central business district was empty, save for the occasional 4×4 and Mercedes off to see the Mugabe jamboree.

The rumour mill was on turbo-mode too: Reports of Zanu-PF supporters looking to exact retribution on those who didn’t vote. Tales of hapless voters who spoilt their ballots being beaten in the townships. One young boy next to Harare’s suburban university said he planned to join in the presidential celebrations, if only “for security”.

“Fear of the Central Intelligence Organization” – Mugabe’s Gestapo equivalent – “is everywhere, especially in the urban areas where you don’t know your neighbours,” said one local journalist, covering his mouth as he spoke at a fast-food outlet.