Happy Birthday, Zimbabwe

Almost two months ago, I wrote a blog celebrating the independence of Ghana. That occasion of saying "Happy Birthday" was joyful as Ghanaians continue to move forward resolutely, mostly unmarred by the vagaries that plague some newly independent African countries.

Today, I say in muted tones "Happy Birthday to Zimbabwe." While Rhodesia (the country's name before it became Zimbabwe) declared its independence from the UK in 1965, that action was taken by the minority white government led by then Prime Minister Ian Smith. He used to say of this unilateral declaration of independence that only two countries had ever broken away from Britain: the United States and Rhodesia. You can read more about the ensuing history. Eventually, Rhodesia fell into a civil war with mult-factions vying for power. When the dust settled, the new country of Zimbabwe came into existence April 18, 1980.

Once seen as a leading light in sub-Saharan Africa, in recent years, Zimbabwe has suffered mightily under the megalomaniacal rule of its president Robert Mugabe. Today's BBC News features some of the present woes of this once lovely country.

Photo of the Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe, taken by my nephew Nevin.

So, rather than shout loud celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence, today say a soft prayer for the long suffering people there.