Zimbabwe: VP saga overshadows renamed Mugabe airport

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) – A few days after Zimbabwe’s fired vice president fled the country, the government has renamed Harare International Airport after Robert Mugabe, the nation’s authoritarian president.

This move comes a few months after nonagenarian Mugabe’s birthday was declared a public holiday in his honor, a move some blasted as dictatorial.

Transport Minister Joram Gumbo said the airport renaming recognizes Mugabe’s “sterling work in the aviation industry, in liberating and economically empowering Zimbabweans in general.”

At the airport renaming ceremony, Mugabe appeared unconcerned with the news of his former deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, but the opposition continues to call Mugabe’s actions worrisome.

“Many Zimbabweans are living in fear. The escape of Mnangagwa from Zimbabwe is clear testimony of the credibility of the threats by the state,” said Douglas Mwonzora, head of the Movement for Democratic Change.

Movement for Democratic Change leader and former Premier Morgan Tsvangirai told South Africa’s SABC: “This is a dramatic experience for the country. It’s one thing to dismiss the vice president but it’s another when it affects the stability of the country. This is a security risk. Robert Mugabe is determined to keep power by whatever means.”

Mnangagwa is believed to have fled the country to South Africa, owing to alleged death threats against him and his family.

A statement attributed to Mnangagwa was issued Wednesday saying that he had fled Zimbabwe, after being fired on Monday, and would later return to the country to lead the ruling ZANU PF.

It is widely believed that Mnangagwa was removed from his position in order to make way for Mugabe's wife, to take over.

Mugabe is set to contest elections in 2018, although his health is also a concern for many who feel he should resign and give way to fresh blood.