Mugabe hints at crackdown on opposition protests
Source: Reuters
HARARE, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe suggested on Wednesday his government would not tolerate protests against plans to extend his rule, saying such actions were being spearheaded by "deranged" people. Mugabe spoke to journalists soon after swearing in new ministers following an overnight mini reshuffle in which he dropped Finance Minister Herbert Murerwa. When asked to comment on opposition threats to mount peaceful anti-government protests Mugabe said: "The deranged ones? ... they are in the wilderness. We will not allow that." Mugabe, Zimbabwe's sole ruler since independence from Britain in 1980 and who turns 83 on Feb 21, has previously said the army would "pull the trigger" against opponents planning to protest against his controversial policies. His ruling ZANU-PF last December "noted and adopted" a resolution to defer presidential elections due next year to 2010, effectively extending Mugabe's term in office. A splinter group of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change said on Tuesday it would roll out a countrywide mass protest program against the plan and to push for a new constitution. Political analysts say increasing hardships, and not a fragmented opposition, now pose a serious threat to Mugabe's long rule. Zimbabwe is gripped by its worst economic crisis dramatised by inflation of over 1,200 percent, shortages of foreign currency, food and fuel and unemployment above 80 percent. Mugabe denies mismanaging the economy and accuses the West of sabotage as punishment for his policy of seizing white farms to resettle landless blacks.
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