On Monday, Mugabe and his leadership summoned all the country’s ten provincial chairpersons to the capital Harare for an emergency meeting to diffuse tension posed by war veterans withdrawing their support of his candidature for elections set for 2018.
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Zimbabwe’s president wants previously loyal veterans of the country’s independence war to face “severe” punishment for harshly criticizing him.
“Journalists, tell those you are representing that Robert Mugabe is still here, well and strong. What has for a long time been clear is that Zanu PF does not care about the welfare of the people, but only about retaining power”, said Chihwayi.
Mugabe was expected to address the rally later in the day. This comes in the wake of a treasonous communiqué attacking President Mugabe that was covertly issued to members of the media by a clique of power hungry war veterans last week.
The First Secretary of Zanu-PF, President Robert Mugabe says as long as he still has the energy, the life and the blessing of God, he will continue to lead the country because he was given the mandate to lead by the people.
Meanwhile, factionalism in the ruling party took another turn today when Chimene openly castigated Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allegedly keeping quiet when allegations of him plotting to remove President Mugabe from power were being levelled against him by some in the ruling party.
Public discontent over high inflation, unemployment and other hardships spilled out into the streets in a nationwide protest movement this month.
Supporters dressed in ZANU-PF colors, some holding portraits of Mugabe, sang and danced at the party headquarters in response to a call to demonstrate their unwavering support.
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“Gushungo forever and ever”, said James Mushonga, 58, referring to Mugabe by his clan name.
