Questions over Mugabe’s future as Mnangagwa set to lead nation
QUESTIONS REMAIN over the future of Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, and his wife who just days ago was poised to succeed him.
The 93-year-old, who resigned on Tuesday as MPs began impeaching him, has not spoken publicly since his speech on Sunday night defying calls from the military, ruling party and the people to step down.
Mr Mugabe appeared to remain in the capital, Harare, with former first lady Grace, but it was not clear under what terms.
A new photo circulating on social media, said to be taken this week, showed Mr Mugabe and his wife sitting on a sofa with advisers standing behind them.
A dejected-looking Grace Mugabe, who had been likely to replace Emmerson Mnangagwa after his firing as vice president earlier this month, looks off camera while Robert Mugabe’s eyes are closed. The photo could not immediately be verified.
Mr Mnangagwa is set to be sworn in on Friday morning at a 60,000-seat stadium after making a triumphant return to the country. He fled shortly after his firing, claiming threats to his life.
His speech upon his return on Wednesday night outside ruling party headquarters promised “a new, unfolding democracy” and efforts to rebuild a shattered economy.
But he also recited slogans from the ruling ZANU-PF party, declaring death to “enemies”, that are unlikely to reassure the opposition.
The opposition party MDC-T, which supported Mr Mugabe’s removal, said it had not been invited to the inauguration. Spokesman Obert Guru said the party was closely watching Mr Mnangagwa’s next moves, “particularly regarding the dismantling of all oppressive pillars of repression”.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans against “vengeful retribution”.
Mr Mnangagwa is a former justice and defence minister with close ties to the military who served for decades as Mr Mugabe’s enforcer, a role that earned him the nickname “Crocodile”.