Power Vacuum: Wife Grace and Rebel Leader

power vacuum: Mugabe, a former rebel leader who took power after independence from white minority rule in 1980, declared a few days ago that most Zimbabweans think nobody can replace him, according to CTV. The longevity of the world's oldest head of state is a source of heartache for Zimbabwe's splintered opposition and uncertainty for investors, leaving the economically struggling country in limbo. Thousands of government supporters, some wearing clothing adorned with Mugabe's image, converged in Matabeleland for a birthday bash and show of strength for the ruling ZANU-PF party, beset by squabbling in the past year as the elderly president weakened and factions, one including his wife Grace, sparred ahead of an expected power vacuum. Mugabe on Saturday wore dark glasses and a multi-colored jacket bearing an image of himself in younger days, sitting impassively as speakers praised his leadership and delegates from ruling parties in Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia kneeled at his chair to greet him. At one point Mugabe raised his fist in salute, but he also rested his drooping head on one hand. The Chinese ambassador read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.