‘Irreplaceable’ Mugabe still on mission
ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 93rd birthday on Saturday amid granite hills where ancient spirits are said to dwell, defying calls to resign after nearly four decades in power in a region known for opposing the man who says he’ll run again in 2018 elections.
Thousands of government supporters, some wearing clothing adorned with Mugabe’s image, converged in Matabeleland for a birthday bash and show of strength for the ruling ZANU-PF party, beset by squabbling in the past year as the elderly president weakened and factions, one including his wife Grace, sparred ahead of an expected power vacuum.
Mugabe, a former rebel leader who took power after independence from white minority rule in 1980, declared a few days ago most Zimbabweans think nobody can replace him.
The longevity of the world’s oldest head of state is a source of heartache for Zimbabwe’s splintered opposition and uncertainty for investors, leaving the economically struggling country in limbo.
Mugabe on Saturday wore dark glasses and a multi-coloured jacket bearing an image of himself in younger days, sitting impassively as speakers praised his leadership and delegates from ruling parties in Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia kneeled at his chair to greet him.
The Chinese ambassador read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping. At one point Mugabe raised his fist in salute, but he also rested his drooping head on one hand. His wife adjusted his glasses.
Much of the president’s speech, which lasted more than an hour, was personal. He described his life as a ‘‘long, long journey,’’ saying it was difficult to predict how long it would last.
‘‘The decision that you continue to live and to enjoy life is that of the one personality we all call the almighty God.’’
His hands gripping the podium, Mugabe spoke slowly. He said that at times he felt alone, but that he has a ‘‘mission’’ and ‘‘mandate’’ as Zimbabwe’s leader.
Mugabe, who turned 93 on Tuesday, had also been serenaded at a palace cake-cutting by singers who wished him ‘‘many more’’ birthdays. Air Zimbabwe, the cash-strapped national carrier, and other entities took out birthday notices in pro-government media. – AP