A new president has been anointed in Zimbabwe, marking the final landmark break with the reign of Robert Mugabe, one of the most high-profile and controversial figures in international politics and, until his demise, Africa’s longest serving leader.
Senior members of the ruling Zanu-PF party had wanted 93-year-old Mr Mugabe to attend the inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa, the man who deposed him, in an attempt to portray a natural transfer of power rather than change at the top initiated by a military coup.However, Mr Mnangagwa and his allies, it is believed, objected to the proposal vehemently, arguing that it would confer legitimacy to the rule of Mr Mugabe, his wife Grace and their cohorts, who have been accused of abuse of power and corruption.
They also maintained that Mr Mugabe’s presence at the ceremony would be an insult to the hundreds of thousands who have taken to the streets to protest against him and his regime.
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"Anyway, Mr Mugabe needs to rest for a while, it has been a very emotional time for him.”
It was also pointed out that Mr Mugabe’s attendance would have been embarrassing for the new president who, after returning from exile in South Africa, revealed he had been in close touch with the armed forces as the putsch last week was being planned and executed. Zimbabwe Latest - 'Emotional' Mugabe Blocked From Attending Inauguration Of Man Replacing Him
