LATEST: Mugabe not resigning from Govt OR Zanu PF any time soon

Bulawayo Zimbabwe:  Zanu PF’s fighting factions have been dealt a major setback following stern warnings that they need to forget about taking over from President Robert Mugabe as he does not plan to resign  or retire from Zanu PF and government in the near future.

While addressing people at Highlanders Club House Minister Saviour Kasukuwere warned rival Zanu PF factions to back off  so that Mugabe can do his job unhindered.

“The leader we have was sworn-in by God, so let us respect and support him… we reaffirmed he is our president therefore that is where the center of power is.There is no vacancy for the presidency both in Zimbabwe and in Zanu PF,” said Kasukuwere.

Kasukuwere made it clear that Mugabe is not about to retire and he has some more years as Zimbabwe’s President.

“You can’t create a vacancy. It won’t work and it’s not going to happen anytime soon. We must not stroke the egos of misguided leaders, making them believe that there are vacant posts where there none. No, there is no vacancy. Mugabe is still there. Let him rule. He has the blessings of his people,” Kasukuwere warned, emphasizing that those seeking to take over from President Mugabe will not succeed.

These warnings come just in the middle of an unprecedented crises in Zanu PF.

The part is now sharply divided into two well known rival factions allegedly led by first Lady Grace Mugabe and the powerful Vice President and Justice Minister Emerson Mnangagwa.

The former is backed by a young and dominating G40 faction while the later is powered by Team Lacoste with  support of Liberation War Veterans and Security Services.

President Mugabe is due to meet the agitated War Veterans next month to discuss succession and his retirement.

Mugabe told reporters last week that War Veterans want a new leader for the party and government.

Mugabe was upset that they have even sent emissaries to China to express the urgent need for new leadership in Zimbabwe without consulting him about retirement plans.