The Rising Threat
Simba Makoni was Mugabe's greatest threat from within his own party, now he has left the fold his influence could be even greater
Zimbabwe's former finance minister has already made history by mounting the most serious challenge from within the Zanu-PF elite to Mugabe. In February, he announced his intention to stand as an independent in the presidential election.
Makoni, 57, became Zimbabwe's youngest cabinet minister when appointed in 1982, aged 32. He was fired by Mugabe in 2002 after differences over economic policy, including calls by Makoni to devalue Zimbabwe's currency.
Makoni has long been touted as a possible successor, although critics say he lacks the mettle to best one of Africa's toughest leaders.
Makoni has some powerful supporters and has been linked to a powerful Zanu-PF faction led by former army commander, General Solomon Mujuru, the husband of vice-president, Joyce Mujuru. However, as a technocrat and business consultant, he has no broad grassroots base and has no supporters contesting parliamentary seats, which are also up for grabs in the March 29 election.
Analysts claim Makoni's chances of defeating Mugabe remain slim. According to some Machiavellian rumors, Makoni is standing in order to split the opposition vote in preparation for the time when he will inherit Mugabe's mantle.
Makoni, 57, became Zimbabwe's youngest cabinet minister when appointed in 1982, aged 32. He was fired by Mugabe in 2002 after differences over economic policy, including calls by Makoni to devalue Zimbabwe's currency.
Makoni has long been touted as a possible successor, although critics say he lacks the mettle to best one of Africa's toughest leaders.
Makoni has some powerful supporters and has been linked to a powerful Zanu-PF faction led by former army commander, General Solomon Mujuru, the husband of vice-president, Joyce Mujuru. However, as a technocrat and business consultant, he has no broad grassroots base and has no supporters contesting parliamentary seats, which are also up for grabs in the March 29 election.
Analysts claim Makoni's chances of defeating Mugabe remain slim. According to some Machiavellian rumors, Makoni is standing in order to split the opposition vote in preparation for the time when he will inherit Mugabe's mantle.
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
- Mugabe Palace Hints at Plans to Stay
- Mugabe Fails in Bid to Switch Poll Result
- Brown Calls for Zimbabwe Arms Embargo
- Pro-Mugabe Newspaper Proposes National Unity Government
- Press Floats Mugabe Unity Government
- Miliband Hits Out at Mugabe's Election 'charade'
- Miliband Condemns Zimbabwe Poll 'charade'
- Mugabe Minister Accused of Gun Threats
- Zimbabwe Recount is Fixed, Says Opposition
- Mugabe Denounces Britain As 'thieving Colonialists'
- 'We Are Being Bought Like Sheep': Mugabe Launches Vitriolic Attack on Uk and Opposition
- Chinese Ship Carries Arms Cargo to Mugabe Regime
- No One Thinks Mugabe Won Election, Brown Tells Un
- Mugabe Has Stolen Poll Win, Brown Tells Un
- Beaten for Voting the Wrong Way: How Zanu-pf is Taking Revenge in Rural Areas
- ANC Hits Out at 'dire' Zimbabwe Situation
- Election Recount Allows Mugabe to Step Up Violence, Says Opposition
- Mugabe Misses Key Summit in Zambia
- There Are Many Villains to Blame for Zimbabwe's Decade of Horror
- Opposition Rejects Run-off As Mugabe Tightens Grip