Mugabe's Health Deteriorating?

An article caught my eye this morning, and I could only find two instances of it, so how true or honest the reporting is, I don't know.

The article claims that Mugabe is suffering from cancer - and it doesn't say where in the body - and is considering Simba Makoni as his successor...

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"In yet another exclusive, the African Aristocrat can reveal that Robert Mugabe is actively considering potential successors after Awang Kechick, his urologist who we can reveal visited Zimbabwe nine weeks ago, reportedly told Mugabe that his condition is progressing faster than it can be treated.

Mugabe's condition is deteriorating.

The often sprightly Mugabe has in recent time begun to look unwell.

A viable source close to the ailing President reveals that, following Kachick's visit, Mugabe has accepted that his time in limited and has begun considering potential successors.

Mugabe has in the past struggled with undisclosed health problems but has always returned to public life looking sprightly and healthy. However the past few months Mugabe's health has deteriorated dramatically with pictures being broadcast by newzimbabwe.com showing Mugabe unable to walk without the help of aides in a recent trip to Uganda. Some reports claimed that Mugabe fell in full view of other dignitaries."

I am still unsure of the validity of this article and find it annoying that the writer should choose to do so behind a pseudonym. Obviously, much of his decision is based upon his geographic placing and his ability to blend in with normal life.

Indeed, for a while I wrote behind a pseudonym.

But without any other article to back this story up, it remains supposition.

"In a surprise move Robert Mugabe has ditched presidential hopefuls Joyce Mujuru and Emmerson Mnangagwa and is said to be in private negotiations with Simba Makoni.

Simba Makoni, who left ZANU PF to start his own party, is widely viewed as a moderate by both the MDC and ZANU PF, he also enjoys support from Zimbabwe's commerce and private media."

Given the facts as reported, I have a sneaking suspicion that the African Aristocrat is a person who is not unknown in the blogging realm and someone who claims to be 'very close' to developments on the ground.

I, personally, choose not to put too much weight on this story as it has not been verified nor does it fall in line with the recent events within ZANU PF. But I stand to be corrected.

Another article doesn't make any claim that Mugabe has cancer, but does raise concerns about his health generally...

"The recent death of President Robert Mugabe's sister, Sabina, and the subsequent illness of his other sister Bridgette has cast the spotlight on the Zimbabwean leader’s own health which has for a long time been a subject of many public discussions.

At 86, one would expect his health to be failing him, what with the enormous task of leading a country blighted by numerous problems of a varied nature on his shoulders.

Mugabe's health has always been a closely guarded secret but a favourite subject among many Zimbabweans who wonder just how he is managing to soldier on at his advanced age.

Mugabe is now Africa's oldest leader. Many of his ilk have since died or vacated office."

They say that there are two absolutes in life. One is taxes and the other is death.

Mugabe, who many believe should have stood down many years ago to enjoy the fruits of his leadership, is adamant that he will rule until the day he dies, and he has even intimated that he will continue to rule from beyond the grave.

Mugabe is an anathema in Zimbabwe - and it is felt that his longevity is fed by his desire to remain in power and leave an indelible mark on the country known as Zimbabwe. That he will leave a mark is undeniable, but that mark will be a permanent scar on Zimbabwe and will take many years, if not generations, to heal and become healthy.

"At 86 I would guess he has more business tending his cattle at his farm and watching hjis children grow than cracking his head for solutions to the country's problems," said Cletus Makani, a student at a Harare college in a muted discussion with friends at one of Harare's downtown drinking holes."

I don't think that Zimbabweans are worried about Mugabe's impending death, whenever that may occur, but are more concerned with just how ZANU PF will attempt to continue with his destructive legacy and their own fortunes in a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe.

Robb WJ Ellis

The Bearded Man