HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe sharply criticized his vice president, underscoring that she is no longer a favorite to succeed the 90-year-old leader.
Mugabe told
military leaders and representatives of Zimbabwe's independence war veterans on
Tuesday that Vice President Joice Mujuru was working with the political
opposition as well as the United States. Washington has criticized Mugabe's
human rights record and imposed some sanctions on officials and entities in the
southern African country.
Mugabe's
address was broadcast on state television and came during a key ruling party
congress at which the president is poised to consolidate his grip on power by
appointing a new set of loyalists, including his wife Grace.
Mugabe said
Mujuru "didn't want" 2013 elections that he won, although the
opposition alleged the vote was marred by irregularities. Power struggles
involving the vice president are rocking the ruling ZANU-PF party for the first
time, said Mugabe.
"It is
a woman who is saying she now wants to rule. We know the infiltration that has
gone on. We know the discussions that have been done to link up with the
(political opposition) and America will then pour in money," Mugabe said.
"You know that simplistic thinking."
The
state-run Sunday Mail newspaper has alleged that Mujuru was involved in an
assassination plot against Mugabe, who has been in power since independence in
1980. Mujuru denies the allegations, saying she is prepared to defend herself
in court.
Rugare
Gumbo, a Mujuru supporter who was recently ousted as ruling party spokesman,
said the campaign against Mujuru is misguided.
"Why would
she plan to kill a 90-year-old man she served loyally since she was a
kid?" Gumbo said. "Personally, I fought for him (Mugabe). Is this is
the reward we get?"
YahooNews
No comments:
Post a Comment