News / National
Grace Mugabe positioning herself for the country's top post
11 Mar 2015 at 10:08hrs | Views
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe's failure to appoint a successor could throw Zimbabwe into turmoil if he dies in power or is incapacitated, a think-tank has warned, with observers saying First Lady Grace Mugabe could be positioning herself for the country's top post, the Southern Eye reported.
The think- tank warned that the situation could be further exacerbated if Mugabe died or was incapacitated without appointing a successor as he chose his deputies as figureheads rather than possible successors.
The Institute of Defence Analysis said growing factionalism within Zanu-PF could destabilise the country.
In an article titled Political instability in Zimbabwe the think-tank warns that Mugabe might use the security apparatus to secure his position, but the seeds of dissent may already have been sown.
In the short term, the report says Mugabe will consolidate his power, with Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa taking "every opportunity to display his loyalty to Mugabe, sometimes even kneeling before him, but he has fallen into disfavour with Mugabe in the past".
The report notes that Grace could be a wildcard for the presidency, something that sounded farfetched half a year ago, but is increasingly gaining currency.
With the country's economy stalling, the think-tank said this could cause instability and Sadc countries, particularly South Africa, were likely to bear the brunt of an economic collapse.
The think-tank advised South African President Jacob Zuma to focus on achieving an agreement and to consistently urge Mugabe and other Zanu-PF leaders to avoid violence.
The think- tank warned that the situation could be further exacerbated if Mugabe died or was incapacitated without appointing a successor as he chose his deputies as figureheads rather than possible successors.
The Institute of Defence Analysis said growing factionalism within Zanu-PF could destabilise the country.
In an article titled Political instability in Zimbabwe the think-tank warns that Mugabe might use the security apparatus to secure his position, but the seeds of dissent may already have been sown.
The report notes that Grace could be a wildcard for the presidency, something that sounded farfetched half a year ago, but is increasingly gaining currency.
With the country's economy stalling, the think-tank said this could cause instability and Sadc countries, particularly South Africa, were likely to bear the brunt of an economic collapse.
The think-tank advised South African President Jacob Zuma to focus on achieving an agreement and to consistently urge Mugabe and other Zanu-PF leaders to avoid violence.
Source - Southern Eye
