Things went from bad to worse for the embattled
Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe yesterday as only 5
cabinet ministers and the attorney-general turned up for a meeting
called by Mugabe as 17 others opted to attend a meeting to plan the
93-year-old leader’s impeachment, sources have said.
The meeting was the first called by Mr. Mugabe since military
takeover last week.
Mr. Mugabe faces the start of an impeachment
process later in the day as his party seeks to end his nearly four decades in power.
ZANU-PF plans to bring the
motion in parliament after a Monday noon deadline expired for
the 93-year-old leader to step down.
Mr. Mugabe led the country’s liberation war and
has ruled since independence in 1980 but is seeing the swift erosion of his power.
He has won a series of elections but is viewed by many in Africa
and beyond as a leader who has crippled his country by holding on to power for
too long.
Mr. Mugabe has shown no sign of resigning. He called for the weekly cabinet
meeting on Tuesday. Zimbabwe’s information minister said on Tuesday he did not
know if ministerswould attend the cabinet meeting.
The army seized power because Mugabe sacked Mnangagwa to smooth a
path to the presidency for his wife, Grace, who is unpopular with many
Zimbabweans.
Reuters reported in September that Mr. Mnangagwa was plotting to
succeed Mr. Mugabe with army backing at the helm of a broad coalition.
The plot included a
plan for an interim national unity government that would have the blessing of
much of the international community and allow for Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with
the outside world.
The former vice president was a key lieutenant to Mr. Mugabe for
decades and stands accused of participating in repression against Zimbabweans
who challenged the leader.
Mr. Mnangagwa said he fled Zimbabwe because of a threat to his
life after being purged from the ruling party.
He said he had been in contact with Mr. Mugabe
and was invited to return but would not do so until his
security could be guaranteed.
“I told the President that I would not return home now until I am
satisfied of my personal security, because of the manner and treatment given to
me upon being fired,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Mnangagwa said on Tuesday his desire was to
join all Zimbabweans in a “new era” that would rebuild the economy
for the benefit of all.
Zimbabwe’s top general said on Monday that the army’s intervention
was progressing well. (Reuters, NAN)
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