Mugabe’s crony appoints son as VP
By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |
President Robert Mugabe’s crony and political bosom buddy, Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, has appointed his son vice president in what is viewed as his attempt to create a dynasty.
Mugabe’s and Nguema’s close relationship dates back to 2004 when Zimbabwe’s military intercepted Simon Mann in Harare when he was found in possession of arms of war.
Munn is a former British Special Air Services (SAS) soldier who has earned fame for being a dog of war in troubled spots and was en route to Equatorial Guinea to execute a coup d’état against Nguema, in power since 1979.
Mugabe, 92, has been in power for the past 36 years, a year shy of his colleague.
Equatorial Guinea is providing Zimbabwe with an energy facility to get fuel and during the recently held Africa Cup of Nations tournament Zimbabwe availed security for VIPs during the continental soccer showcase.
Mugabe last visited Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, in May 2015 where he held secret talks with his counterpart.
Fresh from elections, Nguema promoted his son who shares the same names as his father from second vice president to vice president.
Nguema suffered a dip in “popularity” at the polls, winning by some 93 percent yet he had never scored less than 97 percent in the previous five polls.
Nguema seized power from his uncle in a violent coup 37 years ago and has been centralising power in himself over the decades, at the same time amassing a chest of wealth by reportedly diverting tax money.
In 2014, US officials forced him to give up a $30 million mansion in California bought through an offshore account.
In Zimbabwe, Mugabe is not showing signs of relinquishing power.
He has already publicly expressed his readiness to contest the presidency in 2018, when he is 94, and recently threatened military action on war veterans who prefer his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to take over.
There are rumours that his wife, Grace, plans to take over from him, even though she has denied presidential ambitions.
There are signs that Mugabe’s inner circle is increasingly becoming impatient with his continued stay in power and there have been breakaways by senior lieutenants in the past. Nehanda Radio
