Weekly News #7

Zimbabwe's Mugabe ignores party deadline to quit

Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party has summoned its MPs to discuss the future of its leader, President Robert Mugabe, after a deadline for his resignation came and went on Monday. 

The deadline was set by Mr Mugabe's own party, Zanu-PF. The embattled leader surprised Zimbabweans on Sunday, declaring on TV that he planned to remain as president. Zanu-PF says it backs impeachment, and proceedings could begin as soon as Tuesday when parliament meets. In a draft motion, seen by Reuters, the party blamed the president for what it called an "unprecedented economic tailspin". The public has poured on to the streets in protest in recent days, calling for the end of Mr Mugabe's 37-year presidency. His grip on power has weakened considerably since the country's army intervened on Wednesday in a row over who should succeed him.