Ruling party disowns Mugabe as exit looms

by MARCUS MUSHONGA
HARARE, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe faces an increasingly bleak future at the helm of his ruling Zanu (PF) party and the country after provincial structures demanded his recall.

Zanu-PF’s ten provinces on Sunday passed a vote of no confidence on the beleaguered leader (93) as both the party’s First Secretary and President of the Republic following a litany of allegations.

The provinces which voted overwhelmingly for the recall of Mugabe comprise Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Midlands.

Some allegations include overseeing factionalism, economic meltdown characterized by severe shortages of cash and unemployment hovering above 90 percent.

The meeting that took place at the Zanu PF headquarters on Sunday also called for the dismissal of Mugabe’s wife, Grace, as the party’s Women’s
League head for instigating divisions.

There were suggestions that Mugabe’s expelled deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa,replaces Mugabe as new president.

Zanu-PF structures are also calling for the reinstatement of officials sacked alongside Mnangagwa.

While pressure from the party mounts, army generals that deposed Mugabe and placed him under house arrest recently on Sunday met at a lengthy with mediator Father Fidelis Mukonori as well as Mugabe’s spokesperson, George Charamba, were negotiating an exit package for the under-fire president.

It was reported Mugabe’s family might be granted a safe have in South Africa or Asia. Earlier, it was rumoured the divisive First Lady was in
Namibia.

On Saturday, millions of Zimbabweans nationwide embarked on peaceful protest in solidarity with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).

Opposition parties, churches, workers unions, students and traditional leaders joined the unprecedented march.

Richard Moyo, Zanu-PF Matabeleland North chairperson, demanded the expulsion of Grace Mugabe’s G-40 faction masterminds, among them cabinet
ministers Jonathan Moyo, Ignatious Chombo and Saviour Kasukuwere, who have been detained by the military.

“The cabal is taking advantage of their proximity to the President,” Moyo said.

– CAJ News