September 6, 2019

Mugabe’s Lesson To Africa’s Leaders: Seeking Indefinite Power Damages National Interests


Trustworthy and indepth news stories are more important now than ever.
Support our newsroom by MAKING A CONTRIBUTION HERE

Former Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe passed on in a Singaporean hospital, his successor, President Emmerson Mnangangwa announced early today, September 6. He was 95 years old.

Mugabe ruled his country for 37 years and was overthrown in a military coup in November 2017.

Mugabe will go down in history as one of the greatest African orators, freedom fighter and liberator. His contribution to the liberation of his country from colonial and white supremacists rule will forever remain in the annuls of history.

Despite his numerous accomplishments and illustrious anti-colonial and political career, Mugabe will, unfortunately, also be remembered as the leader who, in his later years in power, ruined his country’s economy, oppressed his political opponents and pursued policies that divided the country; all combining to sow seeds of economic decay, corruption and cycles of violence.

Evidentially, Mugabe’s initial 20 years in power after kicking out colonialists in 1980 were years of progress for his country. He was adored by his people, Africa and the world for pursuing progressive policies and reconciliation between black and white Zimbabweans.

In return, his country became prosperous and the breadbasket for Southern Africa under these policies.

However, the longer Mugabe stayed in power and experienced political contestations from opposition parties, particularly, from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in the 2000s, the more his government became brutal and violent that, gradually, overturned the success of his earlier policies of pursuing a united, non-racialized, democratic and inclusive state.

His controversial land policy and his supporters’ invasion of farmlands owned by white Zimbabweans after he lost the referendum on constitutional reforms in 2000 and his ruthless attacks on opponents turned the country into a basket case and hasn’t recovered since.

Of course, as any leader, especially a pan-African one interested in doing things his way, Mugabe had enemies and friends.

As we remember him, some of his supporters and admirers will lay blame on Mugabe’s enemies, especially imperialists that sanctioned his government exacerbating economic ruin. His enemies will seek to portray him as a tyrant who killed his opponents and destroyed his country.

In reality however, Mugabe leaves a mixed legacy: the legacy of a freedom fighter and liberator, and that of an iron-fisted autocrat that mimed his opponents and sought to stay in power indefinitely using all means possible.

The greatest lesson to Africa’s leaders then is that policies matter; good or bad, and seeking to eliminate the opposition and stay in power for life undermines national interests.

It’s The Chronicles’ belief that had Robert Mugabe continued to pursue progressive policies; treated his opponents humanely and overcame his thirsty to stay in power endlessly, he would have left a positive uncontested legacy.

So, as we mourn him, let’s learn from his deeds─both the good and the bad; for these are policy choices. Good and pro-people policies bring shared success and national progress. Bad policies bring division and national tragedy.

For Africa’s leaders then, the lesson is: pursue pro-people policies and learn to know when to leave power before it’s too late.

Rest in eternal peace; Comrade Mugabe.

We can't do quality journalism without your support

Perhaps it goes without saying — but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue are declining, The Chronicles remains committed to "Serving Your Right To Know The Truth". Stand with us as we document Rwanda's remarkable journey for you and the future generation. Do you value our journalism? We can't do it without you. Show us with your support by CONTRIBUTING HERE.
Email your news TIPS to info@chronicles.rw or WhatsApp +250788351327.
You can also find us on Signal

292 Comments

  1. I do trust all of the ideas you’ve introduced in your post.
    They’re very convincing and can certainly work.
    Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for beginners. Could
    you please extend them a bit from next time?
    Thank you for the post.

  2. I believe people who wrote this needs true loving because it’s a blessing.
    So let me give back and tell you exactly how to do change your life and if you want to
    really findout? I will share info about howto make money
    Don’t forget.. I am always here for yall. Bless yall!

  3. After looking into a number of the blog articles on your blog, I really appreciate your
    technique of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back
    in the near future. Please check out my website
    too and tell me how you feel.

  4. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness for your post is simply spectacular and i can think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date with approaching post. Thank you one million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  5. This is very interesting, You are an overly professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to in quest of more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks

  6. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too magnificent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific website.

  7. Hello there I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found
    you by error, while I was looking on Aol for
    something else, Anyways I am here now and would just
    like to say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
    Please do keep up the great job.

  8. Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.

  9. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  10. I like the valuable information you supply on your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am moderately certain I will be informed many new stuff right here! Good luck for the following!

  11. After checking out a number of the blog posts on your web page, I truly like your way of blogging. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  12. I will right away seize your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me recognise so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  13. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!

  14. I am really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A handful of my blog audience have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?

  15. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  16. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  17. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too magnificent. I really like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating and the best way through which you assert it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

  18. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to swap solutions with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  19. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!

  20. Это лучшее онлайн-казино, где вы можете насладиться широким выбором игр и получить максимум удовольствия от игрового процесса.

  21. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am going through issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  22. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  23. Ищете надежного подрядчика для устройства стяжки пола в Москве? Обращайтесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предлагаем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой сложности и площади, а также гарантируем быстрое и качественное выполнение работ.

  24. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the page layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  25. Оштукатуривание стен всегда было заботой, но не с mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru. Услуги, которые меняют представления о ремонте.

  26. Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness for your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed to stay up to date with coming near near post. Thank you a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  27. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with helpful information to work on. You have performed an impressive task and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  28. In reality, it’s likely that personal values result from a combination of innate predispositions and external influences The developmental process of values is dynamic, with both nature and nurture contributing to an individual’s moral and ethical framework.

  29. Не упускай возможности испытать свою удачу с Lucky Jet – самой популярной игрой на 1win.Получай максимум удовольствия и выигрывай великолепные призы с Lucky Jet – выбор профессионалов в мире азарта.

  30. When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Kudos.

  31. I blog often and I seriously appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.

  32. Claritox Pro™ is a natural dietary supplement that is formulated to support brain health and promote a healthy balance system to prevent dizziness, risk injuries, and disability. This formulation is made using naturally sourced and effective ingredients that are mixed in the right way and in the right amounts to deliver effective results. https://claritoxprobuynow.us/

  33. Cortexi is a completely natural product that promotes healthy hearing, improves memory, and sharpens mental clarity. Cortexi hearing support formula is a combination of high-quality natural components that work together to offer you with a variety of health advantages, particularly for persons in their middle and late years. Cortexi not only improves hearing but also decreases inflammation, eliminates brain fog, and gives natural memory protection. https://cortexibuynow.us/

  34. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  35. EyeFortin is an all-natural eye-health supplement that helps to keep your eyes healthy even as you age. It prevents infections and detoxifies your eyes while also being stimulant-free. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a natural way to improve their eye health. https://eyefortinbuynow.us/

  36. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  37. Greetings, There’s no doubt that your website may be having browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent blog!

  38. EndoPump is a dietary supplement for men’s health. This supplement is said to improve the strength and stamina required by your body to perform various physical tasks. Because the supplement addresses issues associated with aging, it also provides support for a variety of other age-related issues that may affect the body. https://endopumpbuynow.us/

  39. I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this during my search for something concerning this.

  40. This is the perfect blog for anybody who wants to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject which has been written about for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great.

  41. I was pretty pleased to discover this website. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you book marked to see new stuff on your web site.

  42. Bremen’de Gerçek bir sonuç veren en iyi medyumu halu hoca ile sizlerde çalışınız. İletişim: +49 157 59456087 Aşık Etme Büyüsü, Bağlama Büyüsü gibi çalışmaları sizlerde yaptırabilirsiniz.

  43. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own blog now 😉

  44. Köln’de Gerçek bir sonuç veren en iyi medyumu halu hoca ile sizlerde çalışınız. İletişim: +49 157 59456087 Aşık Etme Büyüsü, Bağlama Büyüsü gibi çalışmaları sizlerde yaptırabilirsiniz.

  45. Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing for your augment or even I fulfillment you access persistently rapidly.

  46. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am having issues with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  47. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who was conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast simply because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this topic here on your web page.

  48. Almanya berlinde Güven veren Gerçek bir sonuç veren en iyi medyumu halu hoca ile sizlerde çalışınız. İletişim: +49 157 59456087 Aşık Etme Büyüsü, Bağlama Büyüsü gibi çalışmaları sizlerde yaptırabilirsiniz.

  49. Next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I really thought you’d have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.

  50. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile.

  51. iGaming 업계에서 선두를 달리고 있는 프라그마틱 게임은 모바일 중심의 혁신적이고 표준화된 콘텐츠를 고객에게 제공합니다.
    PG 소프트

    프라그마틱과 관련된 이 글 정말 잘 읽었어요! 더불어 저도 제 사이트에서 프라그마틱에 대한 새로운 정보를 공유 중이에요. 함께 나누면 더 좋을 것 같아요!

    https://www.nehasb.com
    https://www.tengerszemhotel.com
    https://sportsford.com/

  52. 프라그마틱과 관련된 이 글 정말 잘 읽었어요! 더불어 저도 제 사이트에서 프라그마틱에 대한 새로운 정보를 공유 중이에요. 함께 나누면 더 좋을 것 같아요!
    프라그마틱 슬롯 무료

    프라그마틱 슬롯에 대한 글 정말 잘 읽었어요! 더불어, 제 사이트에서도 프라그마틱과 관련된 정보를 얻을 수 있어요. 함께 교류하며 더 많은 지식을 얻어보세요!

    https://www.vamiveta.com/
    https://www.zebrariver.com
    https://www.rachitadas.com

  53. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently.

  54. Thanks for your fascinating article. Other thing is that mesothelioma is generally attributable to the inhalation of fibres from asbestos fiber, which is a very toxic material. It’s commonly witnessed among workers in the engineering industry who have long experience of asbestos. It can be caused by residing in asbestos protected buildings for a long time of time, Your age plays a huge role, and some persons are more vulnerable on the risk compared to others.

  55. Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic takes pride in its manufacturing process, ensuring that every batch is produced in FDA-approved and GMP-certified facilities. This means that each and every bottle of Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic meets the highest standards of quality and safety. You can trust that you are getting a product that has undergone strict quality control measures and is backed by scientific research.

  56. 프라그마틱에 대한 글 읽는 것이 정말 즐거웠어요! 또한, 제 사이트에서도 프라그마틱과 관련된 정보를 공유하고 있어요. 함께 발전하며 더 많은 지식을 얻어보세요!
    프라그마틱 슬롯

    프라그마틱 슬롯에 대한 이해가 높아지네요! 제 사이트에서도 유용한 프라그마틱 정보를 찾아볼 수 있어요. 함께 공유하고 발전해봐요!

    https://www.5n15be1s8.site
    http://cumhotgirls.site
    http://sildenafilmedx.online

  57. Good day very cool website!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also?I’m glad to seek out so many useful info here in the publish, we need work out more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  58. I discovered more new stuff on this weight loss issue. A single issue is a good nutrition is tremendously vital any time dieting. A massive reduction in bad foods, sugary foods, fried foods, sugary foods, red meat, and bright flour products may perhaps be necessary. Possessing wastes parasitic organisms, and wastes may prevent aims for losing fat. While specific drugs briefly solve the challenge, the awful side effects are certainly not worth it, and so they never offer more than a non permanent solution. This is a known idea that 95 of fad diet plans fail. Thanks for sharing your ideas on this site.

  59. Greetings, I do think your site might be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful website.

  60. Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to remember of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst people consider worries that they just do not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  61. 현재 프라그마틱 게임은 iGaming 분야에서 혁신적이고 표준화된 콘텐츠를 선도하는 주요 제공 업체입니다.
    프라그마틱 무료

    프라그마틱 관련 글 읽는 것이 즐거웠어요! 또한, 제 사이트에서도 프라그마틱에 대한 정보를 공유하고 있어요. 함께 교류하며 더 많은 지식을 얻어봐요!

    http://369slot.online
    http://rhineinccialis.site
    http://tetracyclinecost.site

  62. I was recommended this web site by way of my cousin. I’m no longer positive whether this put up is written by him as nobody else understand such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!

  63. 프라그마틱 게임은 현재 iGaming에서 선도적이며 혁신적인 콘텐츠를 제공하는 주요 제공 업체 중 하나입니다.
    프라그마틱 홈페이지

    프라그마틱과 관련된 내용 감사합니다! 또한, 제 사이트에서도 프라그마틱에 대한 정보를 찾아보실 수 있어요. 서로 이야기 공유하며 더 많은 지식을 얻어가요!

    https://www.padmconsulting.com
    https://www.gocopernicus.com
    http://customercaresupportnumber.com/

  64. Thanks for enabling me to achieve new concepts about pcs. I also have the belief that certain of the best ways to help keep your laptop in perfect condition has been a hard plastic-type case, or maybe shell, that matches over the top of one’s computer. These types of protective gear tend to be model precise since they are manufactured to fit perfectly above the natural covering. You can buy them directly from the owner, or via third party places if they are readily available for your mobile computer, however not all laptop can have a covering on the market. Yet again, thanks for your points.

  65. Having read this I thought it was very enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  66. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else having identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  67. Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Fantastic. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  68. Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it.

  69. Another thing I have really noticed is for many people, below-average credit is the consequence of circumstances past their control. For instance they may have been saddled with an illness and as a consequence they have more bills going to collections. It might be due to a work loss or even the inability to go to work. Sometimes divorce process can truly send the funds in the undesired direction. Many thanks sharing your opinions on this web site.

  70. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

  71. In the great pattern of things you secure a B+ with regard to hard work. Where exactly you actually misplaced everybody was first on all the facts. As people say, details make or break the argument.. And that could not be more true here. Having said that, let me say to you precisely what did give good results. Your authoring can be highly convincing which is most likely why I am taking an effort to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Secondly, even though I can easily see the leaps in logic you make, I am not necessarily convinced of how you seem to connect your details which make the actual conclusion. For now I shall subscribe to your point but hope in the near future you actually connect your facts much better.

  72. I have realized that car insurance companies know the autos which are susceptible to accidents as well as other risks. Additionally , they know what style of cars are prone to higher risk along with the higher risk they’ve already the higher the particular premium amount. Understanding the very simple basics with car insurance will help you choose the right style of insurance policy that will take care of your family needs in case you happen to be involved in an accident. Many thanks sharing the particular ideas on your blog.

  73. Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  74. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks.

  75. Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the info.

  76. Thanks for your posting. What I want to say is that when evaluating a good on the web electronics go shopping, look for a web site with entire information on important factors such as the security statement, security details, any payment guidelines, and various terms as well as policies. Continually take time to read the help and also FAQ areas to get a far better idea of the way the shop works, what they are capable of doing for you, and how you can use the features.

  77. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?

  78. What?s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Great job.

  79. We can both make ourselves horny first. I’ll tell you what I’m doing and where my hands are at the moment or you can guide my hand to the place where you’d like to have yours. While I do it myself, you can free online live adult webcams your cock and tell me how horny you are.

  80. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. All the best

  81. My spouse and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to going over your web page again.

  82. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having identical RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks.

  83. Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!

  84. Hey, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring? I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  85. I?ll right away grasp your rss feed as I can not to find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  86. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now 😉

  87. I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content. Your article has truly peaked my interest. I will bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  88. As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling great , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *