Mugabe’s absence creates anxiety

Mugabe reportedly went to Singapore to oversee university postgraduate studies arrangements for his daughter Bona, but this has not helped quell speculation that the president had health issues to contend with.

Questions have been raised as to whether it was necessary for Mugabe to personally oversee Bona’s registration or aides could have done that on his behalf.

That Mugabe favours South-East Asia for his medical treatments has also heightened speculation, with some saying the registration story was a ruse, with the president actually visiting Singapore for health reasons.

Mugabe’s spokesman, George Charamba, said the nation would know when the president returned, as his itinerary could not be made public for security reasons.

But MDC-T youth assembly secretary general, Promise Mkwananzi said Mugabe’s lengthy absence was cause for concern.

“His absence is causing great uncertainty in the country,” he said.

“Zimbabweans need to know what is happening with their president.”

His counterpart in the MDC, Discent Bajila, said Mugabe’s visit to Singapore was obviously going to raise speculation about his health, as this was a carefully kept secret.

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“His absence, because of his health, is a concern for the country, as the Cabinet does not sit when he is away,” he said.

Bajila said if indeed Mugabe had gone for treatment, then maybe it was time for the veteran leader to step aside.

Gabriel Chaibva, a political analyst linked to Zanu PF, said he was loath to discuss the president’s health with The Standard, claiming the paper had a sinister agenda.

“This is getting monotonous,” he charged. “I am reluctant to talk to you because I feel you have an agenda. each time the president leaves the country, you raise speculation.”

Zanu PF was last week due to hold a special politburo meeting to discuss what they deemed to be a deliberate slowing-down of the constitution-making process.

The party was also supposed to make a definitive stand on when it wants elections held, but the meeting had to be postponed as Mugabe was away.

Mugabe’s trips to the Far East have often raised speculation. Just over a year ago, it was rumoured that Mugabe was unwell and had gone to Singapore, only for it to emerge that it was actually his wife Grace, who needed medical attention.

Mugabe also frequented Singapore last year, with his party maintaining that he had gone there for a cataract operation and there was no need to fear for his health.