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Critics Say Mugabe's Promise to Resign if Asked to A Bluff


President Robert Mugabe and First Lady Grace Mugabe
President Robert Mugabe and First Lady Grace Mugabe

President Robert Mugabe’s critics on Friday dismissed as cheap politicking his claims that he would relinquish power anytime if his party or the people of Zimbabwe told him to.

Addressing thousands of former freedom fighters in Harare on Thursday, the long-ruling leader condemned colleagues fighting for his position, saying he was still firmly in charge.

Mr. Mugabe was quoted as saying, “I am there at the mercy of the people. If the people say go, I go; the party, I go. But if the people say we still want you, I stay. Let’s get organized, Let us not bother ourselves with succession and things like that."

President Mugabe’s ruling Zanu PF party is currently battling factionalism as warring formations angle to take control of the party and subsequently government in the case of the 92-year-old stepping aside.

Political commentator Brilliant Mhlanga opined that Mr. Mugabe was simply bluffing and has no desire to leave office.

“The reality is that he has created over the years this culture of him being infallible, this fearsome leader. People in Zanu PF don’t want him anymore but they are afraid of him,” Mhlanga said.

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