This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
On September 17, 2019, Robert Mugabe passed away, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to spark debate.
As a writer, I've learned that writing an obituary about a subject as complex as Mugabe requires dropping the pretence of journalistic remove and telling the truth as I see it.
One of the things I've come to realize is that there's no objectivity when it comes to writing about a leader like Mugabe.
A Zimbabwean photographer once pointed out that Mugabe would often rejuvenate and look younger than his age, sparking rumors of frequent visits to Singapore for medical reasons.
It's fitting that Mugabe died in Singapore, a place that represents exile for him.
Many Zimbabweans and Africans politely declined to praise Mugabe upon his death, and I understand their stance.
Murderous autocrats like Mugabe are a personal challenge in the practice of forgiveness.
People often hate it when you write about a leader who is not yours, but I believe that as a pan-Africanist, Mugabe's actions were everyone's business.
Ultimately, Mugabe's legacy is complicated, and it's up to this generation to decide how to remember him.
As Africa battles to define its future, we must consider whether we want autocratic development or messy and inclusive democracy.
Robert Mugabe: Hero, Villain, Human. His story is a complex one, and it's up to us to decide how to remember him.
