Mugabe says he will not quit after war veterans’ rebuke

HARARE: President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe on Wednesday dismissed demands by once stalwart war veteran supporters to quit, saying he was in power by popular vote and accusing critics of plotting his ouster with longtime Western opponents.

The 92-year-old Mugabe, the only president Zimbabwe has had in 36 years of independence, was addressing thousands of Zimbabweans who rallied to support him, a few days after veterans called him a corrupt dictator.

“As long as the party says continue, I continue If I still have the energy, I still have the life, the blessings of God, I will continue,” Mugabe said in a 50-minute address. “Journalists, tell those you are representing that Robert Mugabe is still here, well and strong. This is me, and my people are going to have me for some time,” he said to loud cheers.

Mugabe, however, looked grey and drained, leaned for most of the time on a podium and spoke with a halting voice, labouring through his lines. “Some of these rebels from our war veteran ranks have been working with secret agents from the American, United Kingdom and French embassies here,” said Mugabe, one of Africa’s longest serving rulers. The veterans, who fought against white minority rule in Rhodesia, as Zimbabwe was known before independence, turned on their ex-commander last week, saying he had “devoured” the values of the liberation struggle.