ZIMBABWE:Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe suggested yesterday his government would not tolerate protests against an extension of his rule, saying such actions were being spearheaded by "deranged" people.
Mr Mugabe was speaking 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, he said: "The deranged ones? . . . They are in the wilderness. We will not allow that." Mr Mugabe, who turns 83 on February 21st, has previously said the army would "pull the trigger" on 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 Mr Mugabe's term in office.
A splinter group of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change said on Tuesday that it would roll out a countrywide mass protest programme against the plan.
Political analysts say increasing hardships, and not a fragmented opposition, now pose a serious threat to Mr Mugabe's long rule.
Zimbabwe is gripped by its worst economic crisis dramatised by inflation of more than 1,200 per cent, shortages of foreign currency, food, fuel, and an unemployment rate above 80 per cent.
Mr Mugabe denies mismanaging the economy and accuses the West of sabotage as punishment for his policy of seizing white farms to resettle landless blacks. - ( Reuters)