Odds favour Mnangagwa to succeed Mugabe- UK publication

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is more likely to succeed 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe who is looking increasingly weak and irrelevant, a London-based publication says.

This is Africa, a publication of the Financial Times Group, says although First Lady Grace Mugabe has denied reports that she intends to succeed her husband, she has focused on discrediting anyone who is a plausible successor to the presidency.

“She has had considerable success in this,” the publication says. “She forced former vice president Joice Mujuru out of the party in early 2015, for instance. Since then, Mrs Mugabe has focused her attentions on discrediting the other credible successor to her husband, Mr Mnangagwa.”

It warns, however, that the strategy of criticising and trying to discredit Mnangagwa was a risky move.

“Emmerson Mnangagwa is the more likely next president, and has strong backing within the party and the security forces. By contrast, Mrs Mugabe’s influence still seems to be based heavily on her husband’s position. There is little to suggest that she has much support among senior ZANU-PF members or the public,” TIA says.

“As the president becomes less relevant in day-to-day politics, Mrs Mugabe will become more vulnerable. Her chances for taking the presidency hinge largely on her ability to build a loyal support base quickly.

“Mrs Mugabe’s attacks on the vice president seem to have also dented the domestic reputations of her and her husband, and her ability to gain supporters. Some senior ZANU-PF members have openly stated their opposition to both Mugabes this year. Notably, the influential ZANU-PF linked Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans group has protested publicly against the first couple.”

The publication says Mnangagwa also looks the better candidate to turn Zimbabwe’s economy around.

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