http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/16/morgan-tsvangirai-face-bigamy-charge
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Zimbabwe's PM and possible bigamy
On Saturday the prime minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, had a marriage ceremony even after being told by a magistrate he could be charge with bigamy. The reason he was told that he could be charged with bigamy was that he had a suit filed against him by a woman claiming they "were still married under Zimbabwe's tribal laws." Being in such a high position, he should expect that his every step is being monitored and that mistakes like this will catch up to him. The prime minister, on the other hand, feels as if he did not make a mistake in dating these women after his wife died. Tsvangirai felt he was justified that he had to go through a couple of different partners to find the right one, even though some people thought he was showing negative characteristics of the man in charge of their country. There is nothing wrong with seeing different women until you find the right one, but if you are considered married it is not appropriate to continue. Tsvangirai proceeded with the ceremony and exchanging vows, but never signed the register as a away around the charge of bigamy. It was such a risky move that some of the invited regional leaders refrained from even appearing. This regional leader no-show indicates that many possibly believe it was a choice that will catch up to the prime minister. Between the oncoming scrutiny and suit filed against him, the prime minister will really have to prove himself.
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Two interesting things in this article that relate to this week's readings: bride price and traditional polygamy.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to think about how Africa is so different from the US, especially in this instance. There are still "tribes" there, where marriages are done very differently than in the Western world. So when this kind of thing occurs, many people often will acknowledge the "modern" wedding over the "traditional tribal" wedding. You can definitely tell that Africa is still filled with prejudice against the "tribes" many may consider primitve. I feel bad for the first wife, although as far as I can tell, she's probably better off. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's wierd to think that a few generations before, polygamy was encouraged as a way to populate Africa. Yet, this "marriage" is frowned upon. In my eyes, he's not even committing polygamy because his wife died. Strange how different cultures can be.
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