We need to hold Mugabe and all other African leaders to a much higher standard, and not make excuses for them. Mugabe is losing credibility because the country is in a state of crisis and he seems not to notice or care. He is in some kind of denial.
A lot of people's consciences cannot allow them to keep silent. I'm glad there was not silence during S. Africa's apartheid years.
Are you happy about the situation in Zimbabwe? There is a declining standard of living, mass exodus of refugees to S. Africa, severe inflation, documented human rights abuses, violence and intimidation against his political opponents, etc., and Mugabe just shouts about the bloody British imperialists. That argument is so old. The African Union summit last week was an utter embarassment in that they could not unite for a strong voice against Mugabe. They are far too deferent to Mugabe as an "elder" and, perhaps, because of his legacy in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
By the way, Obasanjo did, twice, win civilian elections, with international observers, and stepped down for the current leader, Yar A'dua, after his term was up.