The first day of Zimbabwe's future

I spent the first 13 years of my life in Zimbabwe and am delighted at the resignation of Robert Mugabe.

Under his 37-year presidency, he went from respected freedom fighter to brutal dictator where Zimbabwe saw corruption, economic failure, abuse of power and violence.

Robert Mugabes controversial TV address on Sunday, in which he failed to stand down as Zimbabwe's president, but he has since done so. (AP Photo)placeholder image
Robert Mugabes controversial TV address on Sunday, in which he failed to stand down as Zimbabwe's president, but he has since done so. (AP Photo)

The future holds many problems – you cannot fix an economy overnight and the man expected to replace Mugabe, former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa, lacks democratic credentials.

The questions about what happens next rightly need to be asked, but that’s for tomorrow. Today is the first day of the future of Zimbabwe and is all about celebrating the hope of a new and peaceful country.

Kate Nicholl, Alliance Councillor, Belfast

News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice