Zimbabwe crisis: Defiant President Mugabe vows to stay in power
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 93, has vowed to remain in power for the coming weeks, despite growing calls for his resignation following a military takeover. In a TV address, Mugabe said he would preside over the ruling Zanu-PF party congress in December. The party earlier sacked him as its secretary and gave him less than 24-hours to resign as president or be impeached.
What has happened so far?
On November 15, Mugabe was placed under house arrest during a military takeover. The crisis began after he sacked Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa two weeks ago, apparently for his wife, Grace, to succeed him as president. Since the military takeover, Mugabe's grip on power has weakened considerably. On November 18, thousands of people protested in Harare, calling for Mugabe's resignation.
What Mugabe said in his speech
Mugabe was expected to announce his resignation in his speech. Instead, Mugabe said, "the [Zanu-PF] party congress is due in a few weeks and I will preside over its processes." He acknowledged the criticism made by the military, Zanu-PF, and citizens while stressing that Zimbabwe must return to normalcy. He said the military did nothing wrong by seizing power.
What does this mean?
It remains unclear how Mugabe will preside over the Zanu-PF congress following his dismissal as party secretary. It's evident that Mugabe is biding time. His refusal to step down has led to a political showdown. The Zanu-PF has vowed to impeach Mugabe if he doesn't resign by noon on Monday. Meanwhile, disagreements have emerged between the military and Zanu-PF amid growing public frustration.
