Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Monday, the government said, as the battle between Mnangagwa and Mugabe’s wife Grace to succeed the veteran leader intensified.
Information Minister Simon Khaya Moyo told a press briefing in Harare, accusing him of “disloyalty”.
Mugabe’s dramatic move came after a weekend of high drama between Mnangagwa and Grace after which Mugabe appeared to finally back his wife in the succession race.
On Saturday the 93-year-old president threatened to fire Mnangagwa, accusing him of fanning factionalism to garner support ahead of a party special congress due in December, after Grace was booed at a weekend rally.
“It had become evident that his conduct in the discharge of his duties had become inconsistent with his official responsibilities,” Moyo said.
Mnangagwa was appointed vice president in 2014, taking over from Joice Mujuru — who was axed after Grace Mugabe launched a campaign accusing her of plotting to topple the president.
Source: AFP
