Over the past several years Zimbabwe has come dangerously close to becoming a failed state. Its economy is in ruin as the breadbasket of Africa has been transformed into a nation gripped by famine. In addition the country is experiencing hyperinflation that has been in the hundreds of thousands percent over the past year. On top of the economic crisis is a burgeoning health crisis brought on by the near-total collapse of all public services. What is most tragic of all is that these events are occurring in a country that until relatively recently was known as a model of development in a continent wracked by conflict and poverty.

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — President Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a sixth term, just hours after electoral officials said he won a discredited runoff.

As dignitaries watched under a red-carpeted tent on Sunday, Mugabe swore to uphold his nation's laws and then sat amid cheering to sign documents.

African and other world leaders had condemned Friday's presidential runoff, in which Mugabe was the only candidate.

Human rights groups say opposition supporters were the targets of brutal state-sponsored violence during the campaign, leaving more than 80 dead and forcing some 200,000 to flee their homes.

Opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the race because of the violence.