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Party plans impeachment as Mugabe refuses to quit

November 21, 2017 00:00:00


Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party has summoned its MPs to discuss the future of its leader, President Robert Mugabe, after a deadline for his resignation came and went on Monday, reports BBC.

The deadline was set by Mr Mugabe's own party, Zanu-PF.

The embattled leader surprised Zimbabweans on Sunday, declaring on TV that he planned to remain as president.

Zanu-PF says it backs impeachment, and proceedings could begin as soon as Tuesday when parliament meets.

In a draft motion, seen by Reuters, the party blamed the president for what it called an "unprecedented economic tailspin".

The public has poured on to the streets in protest in recent days, calling for the end of Mr Mugabe's 37-year presidency.

His grip on power has weakened considerably since the country's army intervened on Wednesday in a row over who should succeed him.

The crisis began two weeks ago when the 93-year-old leader sacked his deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa, angering army commanders who saw it as an attempt to position his wife Grace as next president.

Zimbabwe has since then seen huge street rallies demanding his immediate resignation.

The protests have been backed by the influential war veterans - who fought in the conflict that led to independence from Britain in 1980.

The group's leader, Chris Mutsvangwa, on Monday called for more demonstrations against the president's attempt to cling on to power.

"We want to see his back now," Mr Mutsvangwa said. "Mugabe, your rule is over. The emperor has no clothes. Thank you very much."


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