Zimbabwe: Mugabe Refuses to Resign Presidency, Keeps Country Waiting

Local Editor

An extraordinary day in Zimbabwe's turbulent political crisis ended with Robert Mugabe refusing to resign and vowing to carry on as head of state despite being officially stripped of the leadership by his own party.

Meanwhile, President Mugabe is in direct confrontation with parliament as well as the military.

He was given an ultimatum by Zanu-PF, after being removed from office, that he would face impeachment unless he resigned by midday on Monday.

Mugabe was widely expected to stand down in a speech made through state broadcasters. While mentioning errors which have been made by the government in the 14-minute speech, he gave no hint of resigning, insisting instead that he would oversee the needed reforms.

Mugabe also held that he would preside over a special congress of Zanu-PF next month. "We cannot be guided by bitterness or revengefulness which would not makes us any better ... Zimbabweans" he wanted to stress.

The 93-year-old President's address was given surrounded by military commanders who had placed him and his wife, Grace, under house arrest following a coup which began last Tuesday.

Mugabe stumbled over his words, mixed up the pages and apologized for re-reading some of the passages. At the end he appeared to say to an aide "that was a long speech".

The farcical nature of what has unfolded led to questions on social media about whether what he actually said was "that was the wrong speech".

What he did say, however, led to furious reaction from his critics. The head of the organization of veterans who fought against white rule accused Mugabe of being "deaf and blind" to the will of the people.

Christopher Mutsvangwa warned earlier of the risk of violence if the President did not step down: "We would expect that Mugabe would not have the prospect of the military shooting at people trying to defend him, the choice is really his, he cannot avoid it."

Impeachment proceedings are due to begin on Monday. Joshua Nhamburu, another veteran, warned: "There will be an end to people's patience."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team