Mugabe succession could spark coup: Biti

By Fortune Tazvida

Finance Minister Tendai Biti has warned that if Zanu PF does not resolve its long running succession dispute over who will replace President Robert Mugabe, the country could descend into Somalia-like chaos and see military coups.

“The succession debate in ZANU PF should be resolved very urgently as it can result in a military coup in this country. It is not a secret that there is chaos in ZANU PF about succession,” said Biti at a weekend meeting with business leaders in Bulawayo.

Internal fighting within Zanu PF is said to have escalated following the death of Vice President Joseph Msika last Tuesday. Two factions, one led by Defence Minister Emerson Mnangagwa and the other by retired army general Solomon Mujuru are said to be jostling for control.

Biti believes any one of those factions could resort to a military coup to seize power.

“We don’t want a military coup because of a failure to replace the leadership. Zimbabwe will be like Somalia and Ivory Coast if the succession issue is not urgently dealt with…a failure to deal with this issue will affect future generations of Zimbabweans.”