At 92, Robert Mugabe finally announces retirement as Zimbabwean President but might rule for 7 more years

After directing the affairs of Zimbabwe for 36 long years, 92-year-old President, Robert Mugabe has announced his retirement, though there is a slight chance he might still rule for seven more years.

Mugabe had always maintained his intention to “die in office,” dismissing several calls from critics and some supporters that he should quit.

Given the bleak economic situation the country has been faced with recently, the war veteran has now said he is having a rethink.

Mugabe made the announcement while speaking to a group of war veterans at the weekend, citing the country’s crumbling economy as a reason for his decision.

Zimbabwe’s currency is currently in poor shape and banks are running out of cash, while a crippling drought is also threatening to overwhelm the country.

The President, according to the ruling party ZanuPF, will however, still contest in the country’s next election in 2018 and if re-elected, he will continue his reign and only retire in 2023, when he turns 99.

“As long as the party says continue, I continue…If I still have the energy, I still have the life, the blessings of God, I will continue,” Mugabe said in a 50-minute address, where he also told “war collaborators” that he believes he has now “defeated the British and Americans.”

He is still set to keenly contest as President, as he assured his supporters that despite the factions that threaten to disintegrate the ruling party, they would all come together ahead of the next elections.

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A Harare-based financial analyst put the bleak situation the country faces in perspective by saying, “There was a time, some years ago, when Zimbabwe seemed important, that it could be a powerhouse in the region, but that moment has long gone, and now it is hard to find anyone who can forecast how it can repay its debts even with a new leadership, let alone attract foreign investment.”

Brian Raftopoulos, a veteran Zimbabwe political analyst, says chances that the fractured opposition could win the next elections are “bleak.”

Mugabe’s 36-year rule has been characterised by accusations of gross human rights violations, resulting in him being listed as one of the world’s dictators.