Mugabe trip to Tanzania ironic

President Robert Mugabe left the country yesterday for Tanzania's fifth President John Pombe Magufuli with analysts saying he should be ashamed to witness numerous power handovers in the region while he hangs on at home.

Almost all Sadc countries have changed leaders several times while Mugabe at 91, soldiers on.

Publisher and political analyst Ibbo Mandaza said it was highly ironic that Mugabe goes to preside over successive presidential changeovers in the region while he hangs on.

Mugabe is in Tanzania to attend the inauguration of John Pombe Magufuli as Tanzania's fifth president in a ceremony to be held at the Uhuru Stadium.

Magufuli takes over from President Jakaya Kikwete, who has been at the helm since 2005 and is stepping down after serving the maximum two five-year terms according to Tanzanian laws.

Mugabe is attending the ceremony in his capacity as the AU chairman.