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1. Who is Robert Mugabe? How long has he been in power? How popular is he?
- The President of Zimbabwe, he has held the power since 1980, 28 years. At first, he was considered by African Americans like a hero, with his plan of supporting his people. But his image has changed, because he has done many bad things for the country, like when he generated an hyperinflation that caused Zimbabwe's economy to spiral downward. So, in July 2008, the Group of Eight released a collective statement that said they do not accept a government that doesn't reflect the will of Zimbabwean people. White people don´t like him much, because they think he is racist.

2. Who is Morgan Tsvangirai? Which is/ has been his political role?
- He is the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, and the President of the Movement for Democratic Change. A key figure in the opposition team to President Robert Mugabe.

3. What happened during last year's elections? Which was the outcome?
- The Presidential Elections of 2008, were held on March 29, the major candidates were Mugabe, Simba Makoni, and Tsvangirai. According to the official results, Tsvangirai was ahead of Mugabe, but Mugabe won, and Tsvangirai claimed that the results could have been altered.

4. Which is the economic situation in Zimbabwe? How do the people feel about this?
- It's collapsing, thanks to an economic mismanagement. From one of Africa's strongest economies, it has come to the world's worst. Because Mugabe printed hundreds of trillions of Zimbabwean dollars, triggering hyperinflation. Also, food shortages, unemployment, and the cholera outbreak doesn't help, because it damages health and people has more needs, like medicines, which the government can't provide. The people are feeling desperate, the hummanitarian help is retiring, and the government doesn't act. Instead of caring for the economic situation, they care for themselves and launch a birthday party in which they spent $250 000.

5. What do you think about the celebrations and the lavish party?
- It's selfish to use that money in your benefit, when it could be used for medicines and food. It's horrible the way Mugabe is managing the situation, without facing the problems he has created, he just doesn't care and keeps giving himself parties, when his country is suffering because of him.



a) Give the conflict a name and explain why you think it is a conflict:
- Major crisis in Zimbabwe and the government doesn't care. It's a conflict because the candidates are fighting for power, while the country is suffering the consecuences.

b) Who is involved and why?
- Robert Mugabe, his followrs, the opposing group, and the Zimbabwean citizens, because they're being affected.

c) Explain in detail why the conflict has happened:
- The economy is collapsing thanks to the mistakes of the President, Robert Mugabe generated a triggering hyperinflation, that is affecting the people. All of the money that should be used for food and medicines, to help his people, Mugabe uses it to make parties and enjoy himself. He cares for himself instead of his country.

d) Give a timeline of events (at least 5) related to the conflict:
- January 2009, Zimbabwe introduced a new Z$100 trillion banknote.
- February 21, 2009: Mugabe's 85th birthday.
- February 27, 2009: Tsvangirai visits a hospital and says it needs 30,000 dollars.
- February 28, 2009: Mugabe's spent $250 000 for hid birthday party.
- March 1, 2009: Tsvangirai states the country needs $5 billion dollars to tabilize the country.

e) How do you think this conflict can be solved and why?
- If the government started using the money they have to benefit their people, instead of using it for their own benefit. If other countries helped, and if they changed the President to a more effective and productive one.