President Robert Mugabe known for his stubbornness and political shrewdness has once again shocked the entire world and created a political earthquake by remaining defiant to calls demanding his resignation.
In a much anticipated address to the nation which was touted as a final concession speech and resignation from his position as Head of State and President of Zimbabwe, Mugabe deflated that hope and expectation by refusing to resign.
In a televised speech broadcast live on the national broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcast Corporation (ZBC), the 93-year old shrewd politician with a penchant for outmanoeuvring his political opponents indicated that he is going nowhere.
President Mugabe (2nd Right) flanked by leaders of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at the State House, on 17 November 2017, Harare, Zimbabwe. Credit: ZBC/AFP
Defiant in his stance, President Mugabe acknowledged concerns raised by the Generals regarding the state of the nation but also stated that he believes the military intervention does not undermine his authority as the President or pose a threat to the constitution.
He also acknowledged the events of the past week including concerns that were raised, indicating he will stay to resolve those issues.
Sacked Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa aka ‘The Crocodile’ is thought to be behind the coup to oust President Mugabe from office. Credit: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
President Mugabe also acknowledged the divisions within his own ZANU (PF) party, vowing to address the “two standpoints” urgently. He then urged members to “return to the guiding principles of the party” calling on them to end “the era of victimization and arbitrary victimization.”
In yet another shocking move, the elderly-statesman pointed out that he will be presiding in the next ZANU (PF) National Congress scheduled for December, a blatant defiance to his expulsion from all party organs and structures by members of his own ruling party.
President Robert Mugabe was forced out of his party ZANU (PF) on November 19, 2017 after 37 years at the helm.
Robert Mugabe, a tough man and very shrewd politician is historically known for not giving in easily. A scholar, economist and constitutional lawyer in his own right, there was no way he was going to voluntarily resign or step down from his position as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
As a revolutionary leader borne out of the trenches of war, it is clear that Mugabe has dug in and will fight to the last drop of the blood.
In view of the sudden turn of events, President Mugabe’s refusal to voluntarily resign may have created a major crisis for the coup plotters and proponents of change who never anticipated this outcome. The process of impeachment is itself more cumbersome than the simple process of expulsion from ZANU (PF)’s party organs and structures.
President Robert Mugabe and First Lady Grace Mugabe during a rally a few days before military intervention, Harare, Zimbabwe. Credit: Ekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images
With everything that has transpired, the option of impeachment now seems highly improbable particularly if the military brass that was present during the Presidential Address to the nation remains staunchly behind him.
As it is stands now, Robert Mugabe remains the Head of State, Commander-In-Chief and President of the Republic of Zimbabwe until the coup plotters proceed with the cumbersome impeachment process which may take months, and possibly, until he completes his term which is due to end in a few months in time for fresh Presidential Elections sometime in April 2018.
Read the full transcript of the Presidential Address to the nation here.
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