News / National
Robert Mugabe ready to quit
26 May 2014 at 21:01hrs | Views
A UK newspaper, The Sunday Times reports that "ailing" Zimbabwe strongman, and one of the world's oldest leaders, President Robert Mugabe is finally ready to step down, amid reports that he has indicated his own willingness to vacate from office, to his hardline military chiefs.
The newspaper reports that Mugabe met his most trusted lieutenants two weeks ago to tell them about his desire to quit.
Mugabe, 90, who became prime minister 34 years ago and president seven years later, is the world's second oldest head of state behind the Israeli president, Shimon Peres.
Although Mugabe has been putting up a brave face in public and International television interviews, claiming to still be able to pack a 90-tonne punch against his opponents, increasing health woes have forced him to reveal his departure date.
Earlier this month Mugabe made his third visit this year to a Singapore hospital where he is being treated officially for eye cataracts although speculation over cancer continue to swirl.
Mugabe faces mounting health problems due to his advanced age.
Mugabe has been visiting Singapore for treatment since 2011, but his trips have been increasing with each passing year, suggesting a deteriorating health condition. He has visited the Far East country three times already this year, raising serious doubts over his fitness to continue ruling Zimbabwe at a time the country faces a resurgent economic crisis.
In an interview with the BBC recently, Mugabe gave perhaps his strongest hint yet that he will step down before the next election in 2018.
Mugabe was asked if he had someone in mind to succeed him.
"I have people in mind who would want to be," Mugabe replied.
"But I have looked at them. I have not come to any conclusion as to which one, really, it should be. I leave it to the choice of people."
Full story >>> HERE
The newspaper reports that Mugabe met his most trusted lieutenants two weeks ago to tell them about his desire to quit.
Mugabe, 90, who became prime minister 34 years ago and president seven years later, is the world's second oldest head of state behind the Israeli president, Shimon Peres.
Although Mugabe has been putting up a brave face in public and International television interviews, claiming to still be able to pack a 90-tonne punch against his opponents, increasing health woes have forced him to reveal his departure date.
Earlier this month Mugabe made his third visit this year to a Singapore hospital where he is being treated officially for eye cataracts although speculation over cancer continue to swirl.
Mugabe faces mounting health problems due to his advanced age.
In an interview with the BBC recently, Mugabe gave perhaps his strongest hint yet that he will step down before the next election in 2018.
Mugabe was asked if he had someone in mind to succeed him.
"I have people in mind who would want to be," Mugabe replied.
"But I have looked at them. I have not come to any conclusion as to which one, really, it should be. I leave it to the choice of people."
Full story >>> HERE
Source - Sunday Times
