Mugabe Promises to Address His Succession

  • VOA Staff

President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace.

President Robert Mugabe has promised to tackle his succession as the ruling Zanu PF prepares for a crucial general election expected to be held next year.

Mr. Mugabe made these remarks when he officially opened an internet café in the Manicaland provincial capital, Mutare, on Friday before addressing an election campaign rally in the city.

He claimed that Zanu PF is still united despite clashes among members of the party over his succession.

However, he did not mention the issue when he addressed thousands of people at Sakubva Stadium in his second rally organized by members of the ruling party's Youth League.

Succession battles are pitting two factions allegedly led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Lady Grace Mugabe. The two have dismissed as far-fetched reports that they are habouring presidential ambitions.

President Mugabe will be Zanu PF's candidate in the 2018 presidential election. He will be 94 when he contests the poll to be held concurrently with local government and parliamentary elections.

Several opposition parties have also hit the campaign trail.