Mugabe battles to contain army

President Robert Mugabe is anxiously trying to mend fences with military bosses after heightened suspicion and tensions between the First Family and security service chiefs following First Lady Grace Mugabe's recent sitting attacks on army commanders who she accused of helping Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa's presidential bid.

Mugabe this week invited military chiefs to his birthday celebration organized by his office staff at State House on Monday as part of his strategy to pacify and contain the army.

Prior to that he had held several meetings with security bosses including the ministers of Home Affairs, State Security and Defence.