The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has responded to criticisms from his predecessor Robert Mugabe who has questioned his legitimacy.
The former Zimbabwean president on Thursday granted media interview in which he said that he still considers his exit from power a “coup d’etat” that “we must undo”.
Mugabe also said that although he doesn’t hate President Emmerson Mnangagwa his successor “betrayed the whole nation” as he described his presidency as “illegal” and “unconstitutional”.
“I say it was a coup d’etat – some people have refused to call it a coup d’etat,” Mugabe said stressing that Zimbabwe “must undo this disgrace which we have imposed on ourselves, we don’t deserve it… Zimbabwe doesn’t deserve it.”
“People must be chosen in government in a proper way. I’m willing to discuss, willing to assist in that process – but I must be invited,” he said.
But in a statement from his office, President Mnangagwa said “he has noted recent remarks made to the media by” Robert Mugabe, adding that “the nation has moved on. Our focus at this time shall remain on preparing for free, fair and credible elections in 2018”.
Our nation has moved on. It’s time to build a new Zimbabwe, together pic.twitter.com/HkC3G8jgTk
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) March 16, 2018
The statement further said that “The Zimbabwean government continues to honour all its obligations towards the former President’s welfare”.
Last week President Mnangagwa warned Robert Mugabe against having links with a new political party seeking to rival the ruling Zanu-PF.
The new party is being led by former Zimbabwe cabinet minister and ally of Mugabe, Ambrose Murinhiri with the pair seen together in photographs.
President Mnangagwa told a Zanu-PF Youth League national assembly in Harare that he is “unhappy” with the latest developments and was “investigating” the matter.
Source: Africafeeds.com