source
The Zimbabwean president is 91 years old and will turn 94 when the country holds its next presidential elections in 2018. Mugabe has many gunning for his job, with his vice-presidents waiting on him like vultures. But Mugabe has not made any indication that he is ready to let go of his position yet.
An internal struggle for power
The president’s fired vice-president, Joice Mujuru, has formed a rival party to challenge him for the presidency. Mujuru was supposedly fired at the orders of Mugabe’s wife Grace. Now, his other VPs are said to be campaigning to take over for him. Mnangagwa was believed to be the likely replacement. But when Mugabe was addressing youth members of his Zanu-PF party during the weekend, the president reportedly warned against anyone who is considering choosing between his two current vice-presidents – Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko. They may suffer the same fate as Ms. Mujuru. “If you are choosing between my two vice-presidents, you are beginning your own [sacking],” the president is reported to have said.
{adinserter CNP5}
Refusing to let go of the power
The first remarks on succession since the Zanu-PF conference last year were interpreted as an indication that Mr Mugabe will not immediately hand over power. And if he does, the power may eventually lie with his wife, not the vice-presidents. “The people will choose when the time comes,” Mr Mugabe added, “and you will be part of that process but don’t get divided by that question now.”
