Zimbabweans Celebrate one year since President Mugabe was Ousted from office

One year ago, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe resigned after 37 years in power. Some Zimbabweans say not much has changed since then, despite vows by new President Emmerson Mnangagwa to allow more freedoms and fix the economy. Officials of the ruling ZANU-PF party say Mnangagwa needs more time.

Zimbabweans last November took to the streets to celebrate after Robert Mugabe gave in to military-led pressure and street protests and resigned, ending his nearly four decades in power.

Protester Omali Magama hoped after three years as a vendor, his bachelor's degree in archaeology from the University of Zimbabwe was now going pay off. But a year later, he still sells hair accessories and applies makeup in a stall in Harare's central business district.

He is bitter toward Mugabe and his successor Mnangagwa.

A ZANU-PF official said the Mnangagwa government needs more time to undo nearly 40 years of Mugabe's rule.In the meantime, the jobless, like Magama, say they can not wait long.

When Mugabe resigned, many Zimbabweans hoped the government would tolerate more dissent and allow freedom of the press. But the early signs are not encouraging. Media Institute of Southern Africa Director Tabani Moyo says restrictions on the media remain in place.

"It is clearly painting a picture of where we are headed," he projected. "Though there are positive pronouncements that they are interested in moving with speed in reforming the media sector, in terms of practicalities they remain vague and they are nor showing any signs of movement. ... So there is no difference whatsoever in terms of where we are coming from the Mugabe regime and the Mnangagwa regime."

Source: voanews.com