Harare – Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe made no mentions of stepping down as president as he addressed the nation on national television on Sunday evening, but rather appealed for unity in the ruling Zanu-PF party.
The 93-year old, who has ruled the country since independence in 1980 was on Sunday sacked as the leader of the Zanu-PF party and replaced by his old ally which he fired recently, Comrade Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His notorious wife Grace Mugabe was banned for life from the party and also removed as the leader of the women’s league.
Millions of Zimbabweans rejoiced when Mugabe was removed as Zanu-PF party leader and hoped that he would step down as president of the country when he addresses the nation, but he did not.
This comes after two sources, one familiar with leaders of the military and one a senior member of the government, told Reuters that the embattled Zimbabwean president will use the address to announce his resignation as the country’s head of state.
Zimbabweans were left shocked and confused when the 93-year old didn’t mention his position and failed to make the much anticipated announcement.
Although his party Zanu-PF gave him until 12noon today to step down as head of state or face impeachment, Mugabe made no clear intentions of stepping down anytime soon.
He also vowed to preside over the next Zanu-PF congress in December amid his removal as the leader of the party.
In his address, Mugabe said the upcoming congress will bring about a clear roadmap to solve any contradictions or omissions that have negatively affected the ruling Zanu-PF party.
“Indeed, all these matters will be discussed and settled at the forthcoming congress.”
Although Mugabe says the current state of the economy in Zimbabwe is going through a difficult patch, war veterans’ leader Christopher Mutsvangwa has blamed the president for the demise of the economy in Zimbabwe.
“He’s thrown this country into a comatose state. We have an economy that has been utterly destroyed, worse than it has gone through a war because of the dereliction of duty. There is not an iota of understanding of how a modern economy works.”
According to Zanu-PF Chief Whip Lovemore Matuke, If Mugabe fails to resign willingly by 12noon today he will be successfully impeached.
“We have got more than enough numbers. In fact, the whole parliament, if not 90%, they are supporting the call. So the issue of numbers is out of the question.”
Leave a Reply