I will not leave my wife in power – President Mugabe

Bindura – Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Mugabe on Saturday addressed the succession issue in certain terms for the first time when he spoke during a youth interface rally held in Bindura, some 88km North East of the capital Harare.

Addressing the issue at length, the President explained the genesis of tribalism, which he said was at the root of factionalism in the country, and had become the major pulling factor in the succession debate.

Mugabe stated that he would not be arm twisted into picking a successor as that would violate the constitution of the country.

The President added that he was a qualified lawyer and therefore valued law, and prefers that the law be followed to the letter.

Mugabe added that he would not, and was not capable of leaving his wife in power.

He jokingly explained that such things would only happen in France; a supposed reference to monarchs in Europe – which he has been a huge critic of for several years.

Mugabe also appeared to tone down the differences between the rival factions in his party, insisting instead that those were inspired by personal differences, which he urged should be shunned because they would affect the party. Khuluma Afrika