In his first TV interview since his departure that aired on Thursday, former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe described his departure from office in November as a coup d’etat that must be undone.
He said:
“People must be chosen in government in a proper way. I’m willing to discuss, willing to assist in that process – but I must be invited.”
Mugabe, 94, spoke slowly but clearly to South Africa’s SABC broadcaster and spent much of the press conference reflecting on the illegality of last November’s political events and on the personal sense of betrayal that clearly still preoccupies.
However he confessed that he did not hate his successor President Mnangagwa, 75, but his insistence in calling his presidency “illegal” and “unconstitutional” was quite suggestive that he is not happy with him at all. Matter of fact, his rant has conspicuously displayed that he is the opposite of being happy with his resignation from office. Maybe, sad, disgruntled, indignant or angry; only him and him alone knows the level of this dissatisfaction.
This new discovery has, however, directed the discussion on the microblogging site Twitter, not to Mugabe, but to a man of the cloth Catholic cleric and his close confident Father Fidelis Mukonori, who many remember as the chief mediator between the army and Mugabe in last year.
Bishop reported to various media houses that Mugabe was actually pleased with ceding power after such a long time. Details were sketchy if he was happy that his thirty-seven rule was ended without the impeachment disgrace or that he finally got time to rest.
Speaking to Standard on how Mugabe was doing in retirement Father Mukonori said:
“He is still the same. He is still in his suits. He still dresses well, looks smart, still shaves and cleans. He is still the same Robert Mugabe you knew and looks relaxed.”
And now with Mugabe finally breaking the silence on Thursday, various Twitter users were quick to raise questions about the Bishop’s credibility, if he was being truthful or just diplomatic as a friend. Some even went on to accuse him as a liar, an imputation we are afraid might put his reputation in jeopardy.
Here are some of the tweets:
What is clear now is Father Fidelis Mukonori is quite a liar, he told us that Mugabe was happy to resign and was radiant when he did. But it is clear that Mugabe is bitter and feels betrayed by Mnangagwa
— Nqaba Matshazi (@nqabamatshazi) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Fr Mukonori said Mugabe’s face glowed after resigning
— Lloyd Moyo (@lloyd_moyo13) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I remember that. and I remember saying this man is a liar. Glowing how when just the night before the man had refused to resign wth the whole world watching 😂😂
— Bibi🇿🇼 (@underanointing) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The man of cloth is becoming a disgrace to the Catholic community in particular and the Christian family in general , why meddle into these bloody infights
— danidunn (@dannmara26) March 16, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Other users have suggested that the Vatican must ex-communicate him.
Fr Mukonori must be ex-communicated for “actively participating in a Coup and lying to the whole world”. As a catholic I might actually take this personally…am considering my options……
— Nicole G (@gondo_nicole) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Father Mukonori the Coup plotter …vatican should discredit the man
— DemocracyNow (@CLtino) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
After Cde Mugabe testimony we must start asking the question what was truly Father Mukonori’s role during the events that took place in November?
— Chenhamo Mutengure (@kudzi891) March 16, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Some have, however, come to the Bishop’s defence, blaming it on the erratic nature of the former president.
I don’t think Father Mukonori was lying. I just think Mugabe realises how cold it is in the outer circle of power.
— Sukoluhle Nyathi (@SueNyathi) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
What if Mukonori was asked to say what he said
— The Last Marxist (@cde_fastmoves) March 15, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Mugabe lied to the Father just to hide his devious intentions now unfolding in our midst. He knew the impeachment process would sweep him aside
— Fortune Mawire (@Fortwire) March 16, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Mugabe was happy to resign,and even posed for photo shoots with the brave men who were guaranteeing his safety.however, his wife who had the audacity to treat Zimbabwe as inheritable property, is nagging the man back to power. He says my wife is always crying.Thats blackmail!
— Ladislous Mavusa (@mavusal) March 16, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Father Mukonori is not the problem. The problem is Robert Mugabe who thinks that the people still want him around. In his opinion it was the MDC youth who marched against him. He still wants to be leader. He wants us to continue suffering.
— Ru (@runyararom) March 16, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Join the conversation on Twitter and share your thoughts.
