Unwise Coronation at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments: A Bad Omen for Mnangagwa?

By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | Analysis | On September 15, 2024, at the sacred grounds of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, made an audacious move by declaring himself the symbolic “King of the SADC” (Southern African Development Community).

The decision was not only politically controversial but also spiritually questionable, as the historic site holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Many have since argued that the act brought about a bad omen, a belief seemingly confirmed when one of his presidential helicopters crashed soon after the declaration. CONTINUE READING

The Great Zimbabwe Monuments are revered as a place of ancestral spirits and historical memory, a symbol of Zimbabwean heritage and African sovereignty. Mnangagwa’s move to crown himself in such a significant place was perceived by many as an overreach of power, an act that not only disrespected the cultural sanctity of the location but also stirred fears of impending disaster.

The crash of his presidential helicopter shortly after the event added fuel to these fears, and some began to draw parallels with other leaders in recent history who met with misfortune after similar acts of self-aggrandizement.

Historical Precedents of Sudden Accidents After Political Coronations

1. Jean-Bédel Bokassa of the Central African Republic (1977):
   In one of the most infamous coronations, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, the then President of the Central African Republic, declared himself “Emperor” in a lavish ceremony in 1977, spending a third of the nation’s annual budget on the event. The coronation was widely condemned as a display of vanity and excess. Not long after, in 1979, Bokassa’s regime crumbled due to a coup, and he was ousted from power, forced into exile, and eventually tried for various crimes. His imperial ambitions, marked by the coronation, were seen by many as a turning point in his downfall.
2. Idi Amin of Uganda (1975):
   In a notorious display of power, Idi Amin, President of Uganda, declared himself “Conqueror of the British Empire” and held a self-styled coronation in 1975. Following this, his regime became increasingly brutal, and he was deposed in 1979 after his forces suffered multiple defeats and his closest allies turned against him. Amin’s coronation was considered an overstep that led to the collapse of his rule, and his declaration was seen as a provocative act that provoked both internal dissent and external pressure.
3. Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (1971):
   Mobutu Sese Seko, ruler of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), declared himself “President for Life” and took on grandiose titles in the early 1970s. Soon after, his once-strong regime began to face economic decline, political instability, and increasing opposition. His government eventually fell in 1997 after a rebel takeover. Mobutu’s self-coronation and autocratic titles marked the beginning of a steady decline and ultimate ousting from power.
4. Muammar Gaddafi of Libya (1969):
   Though not a formal coronation, Muammar Gaddafi’s declaration of himself as “King of Kings of Africa” in 2008, after garnering support from traditional African rulers, was met with mixed reactions. His grandiose declarations and increasingly erratic behavior alienated many Libyans and international allies. In 2011, after a series of revolts and NATO intervention, Gaddafi’s regime fell, and he was ultimately killed by rebels. His self-proclamation as a supreme ruler of Africa became symbolic of his hubris and the beginning of the end of his reign.

Cultural Beliefs and the Repercussions for Mnangagwa

In many African cultures, spiritual places like the Great Zimbabwe Monuments are believed to be the resting places of ancestors and are not to be desecrated by mundane political affairs. Mnangagwa’s decision to declare himself a “King” at such a site could be seen as a profound disrespect to the spirits believed to reside there. It is no surprise that many have viewed the helicopter crash as a direct consequence of this perceived spiritual violation—a warning from the ancestors.

Local critics and spiritual leaders have expressed their dismay, suggesting that Mnangagwa’s actions could have angered the spirits, leading to a bad omen manifesting in the form of the helicopter crash. The incident has sparked debates across the region, with some saying it marks the beginning of potential misfortune for the President, much like the historical examples of political leaders whose declarations of supreme power were followed by disastrous outcomes.

A Cautionary Tale

As the citizens of Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region reflect on these recent events, many wonder whether Mnangagwa’s symbolic crowning at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments was a misstep that could lead to further trouble. History offers multiple examples where the coronation of a political figure was soon followed by a fall from grace, a collapse of power, or sudden tragedy. For Mnangagwa, the decision to crown himself “King of the SADC” may prove to be more than just a symbolic gesture—it could be the prelude to his undoing.

Whether viewed through the lens of spiritual belief or political science, the lessons are clear: the arrogance of power often meets with its downfall, and actions taken in sacred or politically sensitive contexts can carry consequences that reverberate far beyond their original intent. The helicopter crash may just be the first in a series of ominous signs for Zimbabwe’s controversial leader.