Conspiracy to keep Mugabe away - analyst

Speculations are rife that there must be a conspiracy by foreign powers and those that are power hungry in Zanu-PF to keep President Robert Mugabe away from the country as the international meetings invites to the head of state who is also the Chairman of both Sadc and African Union seem to escalate.

Political commentator Alex Magaisa said It's starting to look like there is a conspiracy to keep the President out of the country for as much as possible. The president is currently in Indonesia, attending a conference.

"Today, the Herald reports that he has been invited to the Congo-Brazaville to open some conference next week. Ordinarily, when invited, the host country foots the bill," wrote Magaisa on his facebook wall.

"But that won't stop claims by the large entourage for allowances and per diem from the hapless Treasury."

"And, of course, don't expect state media to criticise these numerous and extravagant trips - the senior editors dutifully take turns to accompany the President and, in that way, take a ride on the gravy train. As they say, you don't talk while you are eating!"

Mugabe's trips have been blamed for the financial crisis rocking the country with reports that the trips have gobbled more than $10 million this year alone.

The developments come at a time when the government is complaining over cash shortage to pay civil servants to a point when the finance minister Patrick Chinamasa recently announced that the government workers would not get bonuses this year and next year.

The move was later quashed by Mugabe who said he was not consulted and indicated that the civil servants will get their thirteenth check.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is tipped to take over when Myugabe ritires of dies and some sections of the society claim Mnangagwa and his allies are eager to see that happen soon as they have since gotten rid of former Vice President Joice Mujuru who was a threat to Mnangagwa's chances of being a president after Mugabe leaves.