Robert Mugabe 'on hunger strike' as Zimbabwe officials meet to discuss his removal

The Zimbabwean dictator has reportedly gone on hunger strike
AP
Martin Coulter19 November 2017

Robert Mugabe has reportedly gone on hunger strike to protest his conditions under house arrest while Zimbabwean officials plot his removal from office.

Reports say the 93-year-old has not accepted food since Saturday as he continues to be held under house arrest by the military.

His protest comes as officials from the ruling party, Zanu-PF, meet to plan for the end of his reign, according to the Daily Mail

It is believed the committee will seek to reinstate vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa and remove Mugabe’s wife Grace, from the leadership, according to reports.

A protestor waves his Zimbabwean flag at the anti-Mugabe rally
AFP/Getty Images

Mugabe previously rejected a proposal to step down and allow Mr Mnangagwa, who he sacked as vice president earlier this month, to take over on an interim basis.

Most Zimbabweans believe Mr Mnangagwa was dismissed to clear the way for Mr Mugabe’s despised wife Grace to become his successor.

Known as ‘Gucci Grace’ for her lavish spending while the country struggled through decades of economic disaster, she is a key reason why public opinion turned against Africa’s longest serving head of state.

Protesters hold up signs at London's Zimbabwe Embassy
Getty Images

Mugabe is said to be insisting he remain the “legitimate” head of state, and that if he were to step down in the future his family must have immunity from persecution.

It remains unclear whether army chief General Constantino Chiwenga, who was photographed with the President at his home on Thursday, will agree to his conditions.

The announcement came as thousands took to the streets of Zimbabwe's capital Harare to demand the end of Mugabe's leadership after four decades in power.

Euphoric crowds marched in celebration of the end of the Mugabe era, with people of all races calling for the official process to be sped up.

A protest was held at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London on Saturday in solidarity with the nation's people.

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