10 Worst Dictators
1. Robert Mugabe
Zimbabwe
Age: 85
In power since: 1980
Last year’s rank: 6
Inflation in Zimbabwe is so bad that in January the government released a $50 billion note — enough to buy two loaves of bread. The unemployment rate has risen to more than 85%. In
2008, Mugabe agreed to hold an election, but it became clear that he would accept the result only if he won. His supporters launched attacks on the opposition, killing 163 and torturing or beating 5000. He ultimately signed a powersharing agreement with opposition leader Morgan
Tsvangirai, but since then Mugabe has broken its terms and installed his own people at the head of every ministry. Meanwhile, health conditions have reached crisis levels. More than
3800 Zimbabweans have died from cholera since August.
U.S. link: Although U.S. leaders have called for Mugabe’s resignation, imports from Zimbabwe
(primarily nickel and ferrochromium, both used in stainless steel) rose in 2008.
2. Omar alBashir
Sudan
Age: 65
In power since: 1989
Last year’s rank: 2
This month, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for alBashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his contributions to the tragedy in Darfur. The
ICC charged him with “ murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing, and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians, and pillaging their property.” Bashir’s military campaign has been accused of driving 2.7 million people from their homes since 2003.
U.S. link: Both former President Bush and President Obama have spoken out strongly against
Bashir’s actions. Although we’ve imposed trade sanctions against Sudan, the U.S. still supplies the country with substantial amounts of sorghum and other food products. The U.S. also purchases from Sudan millions of dollars worth of gum Arabic, used in soft drinks, candy, and shoe polish. In 2008, U.S. trade with Sudan actually increased to $148 million.
Zimbabwe
Age: 85
In power since: 1980
Last year’s rank: 6
Inflation in Zimbabwe is so bad that in January the government released a $50 billion note — enough to buy two loaves of bread. The unemployment rate has risen to more than 85%. In
2008, Mugabe agreed to hold an election, but it became clear that he would accept the result only if he won. His supporters launched attacks on the opposition, killing 163 and torturing or beating 5000. He ultimately signed a powersharing agreement with opposition leader Morgan
Tsvangirai, but since then Mugabe has broken its terms and installed his own people at the head of every ministry. Meanwhile, health conditions have reached crisis levels. More than
3800 Zimbabweans have died from cholera since August.
U.S. link: Although U.S. leaders have called for Mugabe’s resignation, imports from Zimbabwe
(primarily nickel and ferrochromium, both used in stainless steel) rose in 2008.
2. Omar alBashir
Sudan
Age: 65
In power since: 1989
Last year’s rank: 2
This month, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for alBashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his contributions to the tragedy in Darfur. The
ICC charged him with “ murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing, and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians, and pillaging their property.” Bashir’s military campaign has been accused of driving 2.7 million people from their homes since 2003.
U.S. link: Both former President Bush and President Obama have spoken out strongly against
Bashir’s actions. Although we’ve imposed trade sanctions against Sudan, the U.S. still supplies the country with substantial amounts of sorghum and other food products. The U.S. also purchases from Sudan millions of dollars worth of gum Arabic, used in soft drinks, candy, and shoe polish. In 2008, U.S. trade with Sudan actually increased to $148 million.